After Mayor Dale Booker counted to three, the 40-foot cedar tree next to the Emmet City Hall and Fire Department buildings lit up in multi-colored bulbs that extended all the way up to the top branches.

Before the 6:00 p.m. tree-lighting, area children were welcomed to hear the Christmas story read by Minister Maurice Henry, then Abigail Bobo, a 16-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Hope played “Up on the Housetop,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Away in a Manger,” “The First Noel” on guitar and violin as several children spent time writing decorated letters to Santa Claus, which they could then post in a letter box provided for the occasion.

Adults and children alike could enjoy the free hot cocoa and cookies made available by the organizers, Emmet Vision Association.  Then, after the tree lighting, two trucks hauling flatbed trailers lined with hay, carried people through town to view the Christmas lights and decorations put up by town residents.

EVA head Deanna Allen said this year’s lighting made some additions to what is becoming a new tradition in the town: “The first year we just had a tree lighting and some Christmas carols. This year, we added our stations for our children. And we've added our hayride. We've also added the parade of Christmas lights.” A brochure included in our gallery shows a map of the route.

Next Saturday, Emmet will host a Christmas Parade to start at 6:00 p.m. Saturday December 10 in the area north of Emmett City Hall. Floats and vehicles joining the parade would line up at the old Emmet school buildings on North Hazel starting at 5:30 p.m.