Like moths to a flame, area residents were drawn to the 33rd annual Light Up Lexington Monday evening to watch as the village square lit up with Christmas lights.
Before the ceremony officially kicked off at 7 p.m., people had the opportunity to visit with two reindeer, Belle and Noel, from Kleerview Farm. This was a new addition to the event.
Debbie Kleer, co-owner of Kleerview Farm, said the reindeer are from a farm in Michigan and northern Ohio. She said there is another reindeer, Blitzen, at their farm.
“The kids love ‘em,” she said.
People could also witness a live nativity scene that was outside of the Scott Sharrock office. Members of Fusion Ministries of Lexington participated in the nativity scene.
A Lexington school bus was stationed near the square, where people could drop off toys to be donated to Toy Time. The Salvation Army was also collecting donations.
Refreshments were served by the Kiwanis Club and Key Bank in front of Key Bank, and by Scott Sharrock, in front of Sharrock Insurance. The Richland County Museum also served refreshments.
Mayor Eugene Parkison said of the event, “It gives us a sense of community.” “It’s just a fun night—fun all the way around,” he added.
He said his favorite part of the celebration is the poster program, which involves Lexington elementary students. “When you see the posters, you can tell that [the kids] really are inspired by Christmas,” he commented.
Lexington students from first to fourth grade submitted promotional posters for Light Up Lexington. The top five posters from each class were voted on by members of the community. The winners were announced at Monday’s celebration and are named below.
First Grade: First place—Jacquelyn Foster; second place—Lily Thomas; third place—Kalissa Case; fourth place—Griffin Hughes; fifth place—Wil Bacin.
Second Grade: First place—Lauryn Nupen; second place—Shay Detlef; third place—Drayton Berry; fourth place—Gabriella Trevino; fifth place—Trey Nickoli.
Third Grade: First place—Connor Roseborough; second place—Alivia Laury; third place—Adyson Frost; fourth place—Kayla Pham; fifth place—Sean Bradbury.
Fourth Grade: First place—Landon Curtis; second place—Carter Wallace; third place—Chloe Dean; fourth place—Junhong Lim; fifth place—Madison McKinley.
Classic holiday music was performed by the Lexington Symphonic Band and Lexington’s Fire & Ice Choir.
The mayor highlighted Lexington student Micki Hayes, a member of the symphonic band, who was selected to be a member of the Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1.
There was also an appearance by Miss Lexington Alivia Eckard.
Light Up Lexington has become a tradition for many families, including the Stoffer family. Amber and Brandon Stoffer brought their four children to the event for the fourth year.
Amber Stoffer said, “The kids love to see Santa Claus come in and we love to hear the band and the choir sing. It just gets everybody in the mood and excited for Christmas.” She added, “We really like that they have a live nativity scene, too. There’s the fun of Santa, but there’s also the true meaning of Christmas involved at the same time.”
Seth Gillen and his mother Kasey Gillen were also in attendance. Seth said he enjoys going to the event to see all of his friends.
Light Up Lexington also kicks off the lighting contest in the village. The Light Up Lexington Committee will be sponsoring a residential and business lighting contest that will be held Dec. 18 from 7 – 10 p.m. Participants are encouraged to have their lights on during that time for the judging.
Parkison commented, “You can find houses with good decorations on just about all of the streets.”
Like the Christmas lights, children’s faces lit up with excitement for all of the different activities, especially when it came time for Mr. and Mrs. Claus to arrive. The two arrived in a Troy Township Fire Department truck.
Together, along with the mayor, they helped lead everyone in a countdown for the displays to light up.
Cheers and applause rang out for the lighting decorations, most of which were done by members of the village park crew, said Parkison. There was a tree with red, white and blue lights to honor those in the military and a tree with purple and gold lights in recognition of Lexington Schools.
Parkison closed the evening’s program by quoting a popular Christmas story, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night,” he said.
