O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!

BENNETTSVILLE — The town of Bennettsville held its annual Christmas Tree lighting on Tuesday, December 9 at the Municipal Building. Outdoing themselves, Main Street Bennettsville had the area around the tree completely decked out in holiday cheer. Santa’s sleigh, light up decorations, and even a couple of nutcrackers to protect the Big Man’s chair and his bag of goodies were on display. In addition to Santa, the Grinch was sighted slinking into the gathering.

Not just Santa and the Grinch turned out for the event, additionally present for the special night was Councilwoman Caraline Harpe, City Administrator William Simon, Mayor Tyron Abraham, the BFD, and of course, all the crew at Main Street Bennettsville who make the fun holiday event an annual reality for the community.

“The organization, the decorations, this has all truly been a team effort from start to finish,” says Brittany Jones, director of business and community development for Main Street Bennettsville.

Working with all the festive behind- the- scenes fervor of Santa’s elves, Jaharra Graves and Jones of Main Street Bennettsville hurriedly decorated tables and lined them with containers of hot apple cider and cocoa, holiday snacks, and a big basket of Christmas tree ornaments for the community to decorate its tree before the grand lighting.

“The idea is for folks who didn’t bring an ornament of their own to come through and get an ornament and hook so they can go hang an ornament on the tree,” explained Graves, adding, “After the tree is decorated, we have “empty” gift boxes wrapped for the kids to place under the Christmas tree before we light it.”

City Administrator Simon said he was once again delighted to be a part of Bennettsville’s annual tree lighting.

“Events like tonight are what it is all about. Seeing the community coming together to celebrate together is beautiful,” said Simon, who also had praise for city staff whom he credited with pulling off another successful year of holiday cheer.

“This is a great event for families to come together, to celebrate the hard work of staff, and for everyone to get in the holiday spirit. We know folks could be anywhere tonight, but they chose to come here and celebrate with us,” continued Simon.

Mayor Abraham said the event is one of his favorites throughout the year because he loves seeing the community choosing to come out and celebrate together.

“I am always a big fan of this event. It’s wonderful to see our citizens and families out here enjoying themselves and looking forward to kicking off the holiday season,” said the mayor, who adds that he considers the annual tree lighting as the official start of the Christmas season for him.

Councilwoman Caraline Harpe agreed with the mayor, saying the event is also a favorite of hers as well.

“These are the best types of events because they give everyone in the community an opportunity to come together, celebrate, and support each other. It is always a great opportunity to see people we don’t get to see every day. To me, that is the truly special part of this event,” shared Harpe.

Making the night creatively special, a table was set for kids to do some holiday crafting while they waited their turns to see Santa or decorate the tree.

Vendors like Douglas Eatery and Flipping Vintage Marketplace offered warm snacks, sweet treats, and light-up toys for the young and young at heart alike.

Teresa Poston ran Flipping Vintage Marketplace for its owner Dee Lear at the event.

“Tonight’s best sellers have been the bubble blowers’ hands down,” said Poston.

An annual treat, Ralph Monroe Sr. came with his son Ralph Monroe Jr.

“We come every year. He really enjoys it,” said the elder Monroe, watching as his son hung an ornament on the tree.