N. Augusta lights Christmas tree

NORTH AUGUSTA -- Another sign of the season is in action this week, with North Augusta's downtown Christmas tree having been lit in a program Monday evening in Calhoun Park.

This year's event had a quartet of switch-flipping kids, including siblings Rossie Kathryn Bennett, 11, Rebekah Bennett, 10, and Chase Bennett, 7, with family friend Amelia Murdock, 10. Rain began to fall a few minutes before the tree was lit but did not drown out a visit from Santa or performances by North Augusta High School's band and the Melissa James Choir, from Second Providence Baptist Church.

"Christmas is about tradition," said Mayor Lark Jones, in his customary role as master of ceremonies. "Traditions won't be traditions if they're not passed on. This Christmas, remember the traditions that meant something to you, as a young person ... and pass those on. Relive them, recreate them and pass them on."

Also in keeping with custom, the tree was lit in coordination with a local television station. WRDW-TV had a camera crew on hand, helping make the event accessible to viewers who might be less inclined to venture out into a 60-degree evening with light rain.

Jones, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, noted that the past couple of days brought some extra festivity for Gamecock fans, and pointed out that Chuck Deen, the high school's band director, was wearing a "big-Gamecock-win vest," which has not had a tremendous amount of wear in recent years.

The park is just downhill from Lookaway Hall, one of the community's most prominent landmarks, at Georgia and Carolina avenues.