GREENSBORO — The weather was perfect, and the spirits were high as the Greensboro community gathered together to light the Community Christmas Tree, officially kicking off the holiday season.

Friday, December 5, Santa and his elves arrived in Downtown Greensboro on a big red tractor, surrounded by a parade of children who were eager to visit with him and to give him their list. Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) Band of Titans kicked off the evening by performing holiday favorites. The band of 80 students played holiday favorites, new and old to a large crowd.

Area choirs provided live music for the evening as young and old took part in the singing of Christmas carols. After LOA performed, Pete Nance Boys & Girls club sang some holiday favorites that they will present to their parents this month. Next, Mayor Glenn Wright welcomed Mr. Charlie Marshall to the stage and did the famous “Christmas Countdown” to light the big tree. The Countdown began and the Arizona Cypress was lit with hundreds of old-fashioned red, green, and white lights as the crowd applauded!

The ladies of the Eatonton Harmonettes took the stage and wowed the audience as they sang O-Holy Night as the tree was being lit. Then Walker United Methodist Praise Band, dressed in colonial holiday attire, performed beautiful Christmas Hymns. Up next was a collection of dancers from the Southern Spice Dance stuido. These tiny dancers pranced on the stage to Rouldolf the Red Nose Raindeer and other holidy tunes.

By far, the most popular visitor to downtown Greensboro was none other than Santa Claus himself! Children lined up to visit Santa as he received guests in Santa’s Workshop inside of Festival Hall. Santa graciously took Christmas lists and heard holiday wishes from both young and old. Santa shared that all is well in the North Pole. His elves are busy working to make gifts for children all over the world – but, especially, for the boys and girls of our area! Photos with Santa were offered by Melissa Pepin Photography.

Santa reports that as always the children of Greene County were well-behaved. “I heard lots of pleases and thank-yous from my visitors,” Santa said. “I’m sure that with such polite manners and good behavior that I’ll be bringing a sleigh-load of toys to Greene County when I return in a few weeks.”

After a visit with Santa, children stopped by the craft tent to make their very own Christmas ornament from Greensboro First United Methodist Church. Other vendors for the evening included Future Farmers of America (FFA) with their famous Marshmallow Roast, Liberty United Methodist Church, Greensboro Fire Department, Cakes for any Occasion, Delicious Baked Goods, hand knitted items, Hay Rides by Ray Foster and Family, Knight of Columbus with hot cider and cocoa, and Washington Grass Inn at the Christmas Cafe.

Remember to support your local businesses this holiday season! The downtown merchants will have extended business hours on Friday and Saturdays until Christmas and they are more than able to help you find the perfect Christmas gift. Be sure to check out the unique selection of clothing, hand made gifts, local art, special holiday items, and more that are available at the shops of downtown Greensboro.

For more information about the holidays in Greensboro visit www.GreensboroHoliday.com.