On Saturday December 10, 2022 the Town of Shenandoah held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at
Big Gem Park. It was a very chilly night but that didn’t hamper the very large crowd that showed up for this year’s ceremony. Crowd estimates were between 150 to 200 in attendance. Mayor Lucas commented that “this is the largest crowd for a tree lighting ceremony he has ever seen at Big Gem Park!”
The Shenandoah Elementary School Fourth and Fifth grade students were on hand and sang 10 Christmas carols. They sang It’s the Most wonderful Time of the year, Jingle Bell Rock, Deck the Halls, Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Holly Jolly Christmas, O Christmas Tree, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and We wish you a Merry Christmas. The carolers were led by Music Director Molly Baldoni. At the end of their outstanding performance, they received a standing ovation from the crowd!
Christ United Methodist Community Focus Group provided Little Debbie snack cake Christmas trees to give out, and the town handed out candy canes. The Shenandoah Indians organization was there also providing free hot chocolate. Boy Scout Troop 8 provided marshmallows for roasting and built the fire. Girl Scout Troop 40771 had a photo scene setup where parents took advantage of by taking memory photos of their children. Blessed Balloons created the balloon art that was displayed around the picnic shelter, and received many compliments.
Mayor Lucas announced the winners from this year’s Christmas Decorating Contest. The winners were:
Residents
1st Place 704 Eight Street, Sandra Donelson – Received $75 Gift Card
2nd Place 333 Long Avenue, Dale and Nancy Karnes – Received $50 Gift Card
3rd Place 207 A Street, Malachi Foote – Received $25 Gift Card
Honorable Mentions were 601 Second Street, Chuck and Julie Thomas
Businesses
1st Place Southern Accents, 605 South Third Street
2nd Place Taste The Southern Market
3rd Place Stevens Cottage 201 Maryland Avenue.
Mayor Lucas also announced the winners of the Town’s Children’s Train Theme Ornament Decorating Contest. All ornaments that were entered into the contest were displayed on the Christmas Tree at the Town of Shenandoah Welcome Center and Museum at 507 1st Street, Shenandoah, VA.
Ages 1-5 Wrenley McAlister age 2
Ages 6-10 Jamison Staples Age 8
Ages 11-13 Trinity Wheeler Age 12
Afterwards the Mayor lit up the lights on the Christmas tree.
All the children were very excited and were cheering and running towards the flashing lights when Santa arrived! Santa was escorted to the park via fire truck, driven by volunteers from Shenandoah’s Volunteer Fire Department. A very large group of children escorted Santa over to his place of honor under the shelter as they took turns sitting on his lap and getting their picture taken with him.
Big Gem Park is located at 736 Fourth Street, Shenandoah, VA.
