Communities kick off Christmas with lights, music and family fun
Story By Katie Hightower
Across Jackson County, municipalities began Christmas celebrations this week. From decorations to events, communities and individuals came together to bring the spirit of the season to their neighbors. The weather may have been chilly, but the people of Jackson County were warm and welcoming to everyone who was out to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
On Dec. 2, the city of Stevenson held its annual Lighting of Main Street event. The event gave families the opportunity to spend time together and mingle with other members of the community. Various activities were held up and down Main Street. The windows of the businesses were decorated with lights and Christmas scenes to delight those who made the Christmas stroll.
Hot dogs, chili, hot chocolate and live music were available at Steele Park. A walk up the sidewalk took attendees to the Michael Scott Learning Center, where children could make ornaments and bags of reindeer food for Santa. Further up the sidewalk, Mohawk Industries sponsored cookie decorating in the alley next to the library. Inside Stevenson’s warm public library, kids and adults took the time to see Santa and give him their Christmas wish lists.
Hunter and Peyton Steele attended the event with their son, Hank. The Steeles said they enjoyed the Lighting of Main Street and looked forward to the event next year. Hank said his favorite part about Main Street was the lights and the music.
Hunter said, “It’s a nice get-together for the community and they have great activities for kids.”
Vicki Hollaway attended the Lighting on Main Street with Brooke Utter and Willow Billingsley.
Vicki said, “It’s a great opportunity for kids to see. This brings back a down-home Christmas feel.”
Stevenson’s park was lit up with decorations, and its amphitheater stage was set for those interested in taking memorable Christmas pictures. Several families stopped and explored the stage and even took videos of their kids singing Christmas songs.
On Dec. 6, Downtown Scottsboro kicked off its annual Jingle Bell Trail at King Caldwell Park. The Scottsboro Electric Power Board presented the event, which lit up the park with various Christmas trees adopted by local businesses and organizations. The event gave families the opportunity to savor the season over some hot chocolate while taking in lights and decorations.
Santa and Mrs. Claus welcomed children and families for pictures and conversation. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who poured hot chocolate and gave warm hugs to children and friends. A live nativity greeted families with the spirit of the season. Families enjoyed an evening stroll amongst the festive decorations.
“The Jingle Bell Trail is a labor of love from Mainstreet to our community,” said Mainstreet Scottsboro organizer Ashley Colon. “This year we made it bigger with more trees and more magical moments happening on opening night. We’re grateful for the support that makes this tradition grow brighter each year.”
Those who missed the Lighting of Main Street or Jingle Bell Trail should know that both Main Street in Stevenson and King Caldwell Park in Scottsboro will feature the decorations through the New Year. The Jingle Bell Trail will feature another night with Santa, the Grinch, carolers, a live nativity, hot chocolate and reindeer food on Dec. 12 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
The towns of Bridgeport and Paint Rock held their annual Christmas parties followed by their annual Christmas dinners on Dec. 6. The communities were delighted to enjoy festive lights, enthusiastic parades and delicious dinners. Bridgeport held a game of Bingo after dinner, and everyone who attended won prizes. Santa and Mrs. Claus attended Paint Rock’s dinner and handed out presents to each child who attended.
Other planned parades included Skyline’s Christmas parade on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m.; Dutton’s Christmas parade on Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.; Hollywood’s Christmas parade on Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m.; Stevenson’s Christmas parade on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.; Section’s Christmas parade on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.; and Pisgah’s Christmas parade on Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m.
Some Jackson County residents took measures to ensure their neighborhoods enjoyed the spirit of Christmas. A residence on Ridge Road in Hollywood set up a Christmas light show. Through Jan. 4, shows will run Sunday-Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5-11 p.m. Those who visit can tune their vehicle radios to 90.5 FM to hear music synchronized with the show. Snow Drive in Scottsboro was set up with the Doss family’s annual holiday lights display. Each year, they welcomed the community to make the trip to Snow Drive to see their annual lights display. The Doss lights will run Monday-Thursday from 4:45-8:45 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 4:45-10:45 p.m.
This year, residents of Jackson County showed their Christmas spirit through their community involvement. With each other, we can all make our Christmas special.
