By Robert Burgins, Jr.
Bessemer’s 11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Gift Giveaway was a memorable event.
This past Sunday, Bessemer citizens came out to enjoy the day’s events with cheer, as families gathered to enjoy laughter, fun, and joy with city officials. Bessemer’s Fire and Police Departments were in attendance to make sure everyone was safe.
The atmosphere was one befitting of the spirit of Christmas many of us look forward to, as holiday music could be heard throughout the greenery and squares of DeBardeleben Park.
Kids ran and played, grown-ups chaperoned as others greeted one another in enthusiastic smiles awaiting the arrival of Santa and the beautiful display of the sparkling Christmas tree’s lighting.
Many stood in line patiently to receive raffle tickets as ticket handlers made sure all received them properly in timely fashion.
Food truck vendors such as Fat Charles’ BBQ, Terrific Treatz, Zoe’s Home Cooking, Adored Sweets and others, were also present serving the crowd with delectable dishes.
Mayor, Kenneth Gulley greeted the crowd with a sincere message followed by acknowledgements to the great efforts and works of Bessemer’s city employees and city council members as well as the residents that helped make the event spectacular.
City councilman Ron Marshall served as Master of Ceremony, delivering fun filled jokes with masterful hosting prowess, that kept the crowd entertained and amused.
The first part of the ceremony was the lighting of the tree, which garnered whistles, handclaps and cheerful hysteria from the crowd as kids ran to get a closer look. Santa even arrived to the kid’s mesmerized pleasure, as they waved and cheered as he returned the greeting from a city chariot decked out in shiny red and green flashers.
The raffle ticket prize giveaway followed as numbers were called and winners walked away with early Christmas gifts. Gifts that were won varied from mountain bikes, game consoles (Nintendos, Xbox and Playstation systems) airpods, gift cards and other splendid gifts.
The event overall was one for the ages, as attendees will have much to remember in regards to the day, along with the memories kids will have for years to come from this event forward.
We thank Mayor Gulley and our city officials and officers for sharing cheerful spirits and consideration to the city of Bessemer and its appreciative citizens.
We wish Bessemer’s residents and all throughout the world a blessed and great Holiday Season with a safe Christmas celebration.
