Christmas in Hohenwald Kicks Off Tonight!

by Amanda Curtis,

Staff Reporter

The annual Christmas in Hohenwald festivities kick off tonight, Thursday, December 1st, with the South Central Area Fairboard's "A Barnyard Christmas" Parade at 7:00 p.m. The lighting of the new tree on Main Street will be held at 7 p.m., followed by a local group of carolers who will sing around it. As previously printed, don't forget the route will run in reverse this year! If you are a parade entrant, please enter Memorial Park via Smith Street 5:30-6:30 p.m. for lineup instructions.

Friday and Saturday nights, the fun continues with the official opening of Christmas in Hohenwald! View the map to find where your favorites will be this year.

The 12-year-old kids who were around when it was first established in 2015 are now in their twenties. Over the past eight years, Christmas in Hohenwald has become a favorite event of not only local Lewis County community members. As you're out and about this year, take a look at the license plates parked around town. "Each year, we're excited to notice all the plates from out of town and out of state," says Helen Ozier, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Hohenwald.

"Those folks visit the businesses in town, generating revenue. Those businesses are some of who donate to and sponsor this annual event for their community." It's truly a gift to the community from the community that everyone gets to enjoy with no charge for any of the festivities.

There are several new additions this year, starting with the tree on Main Street. No ornaments will be found on the 20+ foot tree, but Thursday night, it will light up with over 8,000 Christmas lights! Hand crafted by Brad Rasbury and Chad Everett, the new tree topper stands nearly five feet tall. Former Mayor Guy Nicholson bought the previous tree, used, on gov deals, and it was having to have limbs duct taped in spots. The tree wasn't discarded, however. In true fashion, the City Elves were able to refurbish and reuse it on the lawn of City Hall.

While downtown, take notice of the planters where you'll see net lights and icicles donning the trees. More windows will be painted this year as well, as Josie Crews and street team take to the streets to bring Christmas to life with downtown businesses!

Around the corner you'll find what City Mayor McKnight describes as "the reason for the season." A new Nativity Scene is set up on the City Parking Lot stage. "No matter what we do: trolley rides, vendors, ice skating, etc., at the end of the event, this is what Christmas is truly about."

Speaking of Trolley rides, this year, as you wait to board, you'll be greeted with the pleasant sounds of the King's Sisters' Christmas Caroling.

Also new this year, are some of the light displays at Memorial Park. "Chris Trull," said City Mayor Danny McKnight, "in year one, trenched the area and did the wiring to provide more electricity to allow bigger and brighter displays. That was a tremendous donation that has allowed expansions in the Park." All displays have been converted to LED lights, saving money in not only electricity, but also bulbs. As you drive through the park this year, keep your eyes out for some of the new displays, like Charlie Brown, the cowboy with lasso, and the infamous leg lamp, all made by City Elves.

As a growing tourist community, it's easy to see that we care for not only the aesthetic of our community, but also the people within it. The volunteers, the sponsors, the elves, the leaders, the businesses, the community members: it's because we all are able to work together to bring joy to our little corner of the world.