From the Mayors desk:

I want to thank everyone for another great tree lighting ceremony. We were all in a unanimous joyous mood despite the rain. I would like to give a special shoutout to those that made this event possible: Workers from Russell Real Estate Guy Jenkins and Jeff Kelm for stringing the Christmas tree lights and Farris Adams for keeping the fire pit going, Blake Wade for the music, Harold Buchanan for playing Santa Clause, board member Lisa Haynes and my wife Margaret Russell for preparing hotdogs and treats. A special thanks to the oldest man in town, Richard Riley, 89 years young, for flipping the switch to light up the Christmas tree and Rusty Rice for saying the prayer that set forth a vision for a blessed year ahead for us all.