HANCEVILLE, Ala. – It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hanceville. A nice crowd came out Friday evening to Veterans Park for the third annual Christmas Tree Lighting and opening of the Tinsel Trail organized by the Hanceville Civitan Club.
Hanceville Civitan Brenda Carter kicked off the evening’s festivities by urging everyone to stop downtown after the tree lighting for a Christmas Open House hosted by Hanceville’s downtown merchants. She also recognized Mayor Kenneth Nail, the city council, public works, parks and recreation and the many sponsors who helped make the tree lighting and Tinsel Trail possible.
“We are so blessed!” exclaimed Nail. “This is the time of year when we need to come together and love and appreciate each other. It seems in the last week that we’ve had so many people die including the sheriff down in south Alabama. I went to the police academy with him and it’s such a tragic thing especially here during the holidays. Let’s just love each other and not let anything come between us and our families. I just want y’all to know that I love you and appreciate you so much, I appreciate the city council so much and they are a great bunch to work with.”
Carter’s granddaughter, Madison Lee, sang a beautiful Christmas version of the classic “Hallelujah” and the crowd was so moved, they joined Lee for the final chorus, creating the perfect segue to the main event. The children were especially enthusiastic as they counted down from 10 for the lighting of the tree.
As soon as the lights were on, the kids, who had waited patiently, ran to get a closer look. The perfect weather made it a great night for a stroll around the lake to enjoy the displays and the reflection of the twinkling lights off the water.
The crowd left shortly for the Christmas Open House with local merchants remaining open for some Black Friday deals. The Tribune caught up with Nail and several others enjoying steaks at The Bulldog Cafe.
Nail thanked Nolan Bradford for all his time and effort in the renovations and revitalization of the city’s downtown.
“If you love downtown and like what you see, please stop in and get something to eat, get a cup of coffee, go to the drugstore and go to the shops, because if you don’t patronize them, they won’t be here long. I promise you that,” Nail added.
Trinkets and Traditions, Rise Up and Mud Creek Trading Company are just a few of the new local businesses downtown joining Just Repurposed, QDS Boutique and More, Outbreak Games and the Hanceville Drug Company.
The Hanceville Civitan Club still has plenty of 10X10 spots available for decorating on the Tinsel Trail for just $25. They are also busy preparing for this year’s Cullman County Christmas Parade this Saturday in Hanceville. Those wanting to register an entry can do so now until the day of the parade. Applications and additional information for both can be found at Hanceville City Hall.
Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
