Crystal Conner, of BC Grammar School Number 1, tells that Chr istmas means spending time with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus. Citizens of the West Metro Area came together to celebrate the season at West Columbia's 4th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting held at West Columbia City Hall on Friday, December 5, 2008.

Tim Miller of WACH Fox 57 served as Master of Ceremonies and began the evening reminding everyone that he was a West Columbia resident and jokingly told the audience they could stop by his house anytime.

Following Miller, Mayor Bobby Horton welcomed the audience and thanked the many individuals who helped put the Christmas Tree Lighting together. Horton reminded the audience of the many young women and men serving overseas this Christmas and told them to think about those in military each time they said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Christmas carols from churches around West Columbia, West Columbia's community handbell choir, and a Christmas message given by Rev. Paul Cheezem, pastor of Platt Springs United Methodist Church. "Even now, 2000 years later, the darkness has not overcome the light," Cheezem said as he gave the message.

Iris Gadsden, of Saluda River Academy, says Christmas means getting presents and celebrating Christ's birth. The West Columbia Christmas Lighting concluded with Darius Brazell, Crystal Connor, Iris Gadsden, and Garrison Burrows helping Mayor Horton light the city Christmas tree. Brazell, Connor, and Gadsden are elementary students, who won an essay contest entitled "What Christmas Means to Me." Each student read their essay prior to the Christ- mas Tree Lighting. Garrison Burrows is the grandson of City Administrator Jennifer T. Cunningham.

Following the Christmas Tree Lighting, attendees of the event enjoyed a Christmas reception in city hall's New Brookland Reception. Refreshments were provided by civic groups, area business, and local restaurants.

According to Horton, in 2004, West Columbia City Hall moved to its present location at 200 N. 12th Street at Jarvis Klapman Boulevard. At that time, city staff decided it was important to hold an annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Horton emphasized that the event does not cost the city anything.

Garrison Burrows is excited to be a part of the Chr istmas Tree Lighting. The bleachers were donated by the Lexington County Recreation Commission. City staff also solicited donations from local businesses. The mayor emphasized that the Christmas Tree Lighting could not have taken place without their help and support.

Mayor Horton conceded that this year's event was not as well- attended as years past. In previous years, area television stations, including WIS- TV, had done the weather at the event. Still, Horton added, everyone who attended this year seemed to be having a great time.

Photos by Donna M. Smith,

West Columbia Director of

Economic Development.

Friar Thomas Moore of the Holy Apostles Or thodox Chr istian Church delivers the invocation. Dr. Venus Holland, Superintendent of Lexington School District 2, sends Christmas greetings to the audience. City Manager Jennifer T. Cunningham attended the event with her grandson Garrison Burrows.