Early Friday evening, the temperatures hovered in the upper 30s while dozens of people gathered in the warmth of the Richland Carrousel Park building to listen to choral groups perform, ride the carrousel, and visit with friends. Some were outside where a live reindeer was on display.
A few minutes before 6:00 PM, doors opened and those assembled ventured out to join around the community Christmas tree. Among them was Mayor Tim Theaker.
Greeting those present, the Mayor noted that this year’s tree is taller than recent versions. After a short carol, church bells could be heard tolling the hour and the switch brought the tree to life.
Christmastime in the City included the December version of Shop Hop, and numerous downtown merchants were open. At Element of Art on North Main Street, members of the Pioneer School for the Performing Arts performed, while barkers told passers-by to “come on in for a show!” Author Les Roberts was on hand at Main Street Books to talk about his latest novel.
Some photos from the evening are included below; click on any for a larger version.
