A long-standing tradition in Pickens County is the lighting of the Christmas Tree on the front lawn of the Cooperative office. The tree stands as a beacon that the Christmas season has officially begun. This year the tree is decorated with new lights adding even more color and brightness. On Tuesday, November 26, more than 100 people gathered to enjoy the tree lighting ceremony complete with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.
Eddie Welmaker, a long time friend of the co-op, former cooperative attorney, and retired Circuit Court Judge was chosen to light the tree this year. A selection of Christmas songs was shared by the choir of Liberty Primary School under the direction of Pennyrose Couch. Bart Turner, Pastor of Oolenoy Baptist Church in his devotion, reminded each of us that as we look at the nativity to remember that Christmas is all about Jesus and His sacrifice - not about us.