The rain did not damper spirits this past Saturday night as the Friends of Hixson and the Hixson Kiwanis welcomed the holiday season with the annual Hixson Community Christmas Tree lighting at Clear Creek Church of Christ.
A large crowd was entertained by the Hixson High School band, choir and strings orchestra, playing Holiday tunes like “Up on the Housetop” and “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Attendees heard from several band and choir students as the event emcee, District 26 State House Representative Greg Martin, interviewed them during the program.
As the program was concluding, Rep.
Martin announced that a special guest had arrived, and in came Santa Claus, to the delight of the crowd.
The highlight of the evening was Santa Claus giving the official countdown to Hamilton County Property Assessor Marty Haynes to turn on the Christmas Tree, kicking off the official start of the holiday season in the Hixson community.
Refreshments were served by Clear Creek Church in the Community Café.
"Special thanks to the 2023 Grand Sponsors of the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Commissioner Ken Smith, Rivermont Golf & Country Club, Plainview Outdoors and Valleybrook Golf & Country Club," officials said. "Gold sponsors were David Queen CPA, Markco Printing, Judge Alex McVeagh, Morning Pointe of Hixson and Michele Coffman for Judge. Silver Sponsors were State Senator Bo Watson, First Horizon Bank, Hixson Eye Care, Hamilton County Property Assessor Marty Haynes, North River Family YMCA and Splash Smiles."