Springdale, SC (Paul Kirby) – A huge crowd of people gathered at the park beside the Springdale Town Hall Monday night to kick off Christmas in Springdale with their official tree lighting. The evening was brisk, but that only seemed to make it feel more like Christmas.
This was a far cry from the first tree lighting after Mayor Michael Bishop and his council took over some years ago. That one was held across the street on property in front of Sox & Sons Construction . It was nice but has come a long way since the simple ceremony that including some children singing, refreshments, and a few other draws.
Since Bishop became mayor, he and the council have been fully committed to remodeling Benton Park and making it a community gathering spot. Monday night was a real showcase of the facilities that now offers a more high-class feel. The park was decorated beautifully, and Bishop said by phone Monday that the town’s staff and some helpers were committed to making every function the very best experience for Springdale residents and visitors. Bishop, not a man to try and steal the spotlight for himself, has said over and over that the town’s staff and elected leaders are some of the best around!
During the ceremony, people enjoyed hot chocolate and smores while everyone sang traditional carols with the Springdale Elementary Dolphin Chorus. Children crafted their own ornaments and enjoyed the park’s amenities before and after the festivities.
Santa and his helper made a special trip to Springdale for the event because almost all the children in town made the top of the “Nice List” this year. He enjoyed cookies and milk with the children, packing on those extra pounds so he’d be warm and well insulated. That’s important when flying around the world at warp speed on the night of December 24th. Santa described the treats as delicious and said the people of Springdale were some of his favorite as he described the town as, “Delightful!” Santa went on to say, “That Ashley Watkins, Amanda Jones, and the rest of the Springdale staff have an eye for really making Springdale great for Christmas.” He continued by saying, “I wonder if they’d be willing to come help Mrs. Claus with some sprucing up of the North Pole next fall? We could use a little update and this park and town are beautiful!”
There are many other Christmas events planned for communities across Lexington County in the coming weeks. Watch The Lexington Ledger’s social media sites for all that have been sent to us. To add yours, email thelexingtonledger@gmail.com.
