CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- The crowd cheered as the downtown community Christmas tree lights blinked on Friday evening, and people then strolled around town to hear various choirs sing.
Santa Claus helped Mayor Tom Rowland light the tree.
Sharon Marr, executive director of MainStreet Cleveland, thanked the crowd for celebrating the annual Carols in the City.
This evening the Christmas parade will go along its traditional route downtown.
"Chattanooga's parade was canceled this year for the first time in many, many years due to lack of a sponsorship. We are very, very fortunate that the city supports us so well. Our cost is very minimal for the parade," she said.
Rowland reminded the crowd to wear their "It's OK To Say Merry Christmas in Cleveland" buttons. About 200 buttons were distributed to the crowd.
Choirs from Broad Street United Methodist, St. Luke's Episcopal, First Presbyterian, Waterville Baptist, First Cumberland Presbyterian churches and Mount Olive Ministries were joined by the Tennessee Christian Preparatory School chorus and the Ocoee Music Players in what has become a reverse caroling tradition.
Launching the Christmas season continues Sunday with the 22nd annual A Classic Christmas at Lee University, a free concert by music and singing groups. Tickets are needed because of limited seating. Remaining tickets will be available at the Conn Center lobby from 1:30 p.m. to concert time.
The season continues Monday and Tuesday in the Charleston and Calhoun area with 6 to 9 p.m. candlelight tours of the Saulpaw Mansion in Calhoun, Watson's Chapel AME Zion Church in Charleston and the Erwin Home on Walker Valley Road. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at any of the locations.
Contact Randall Higgins at rhiggins@timesfreepress.com or 423-314-1029.