Byhalia kicks off Christmas season


Thursday, December 11, 2008
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Byhalia kicks off Christmas season

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Photos by Sue Watson

Holiday cheer

(Above) Johnathan and Ameleah Palmer enjoy sitting in Santa’s lap and telling the jolly old man from the North Pole their Christmas wishes. Santa’s visit was just one of the highlights of Friday’s tree-lighting festivities in Byhalia. (Below) Raul Armendariz is dressed warmly as he enjoys the fun event.

A group estimated at 300 turned out Friday in Byhalia to celebrate the Christmas season with entertainment, hotdogs and chili and a chance to sit on Santa’s knee and whisper in his ear.

The community churches and schools provide most of the caroling and Christmas messages at the annual tree-lighting event and the Cub Scouts decorate the tree. All proceeds from the supper go to support the Byhalia Fire Department. The celebration is thought to be in its 25th year.

This year’s tree was donated by Earl Haven.

In opening remarks, alderman Phil Malone, speaking on behalf of Mayor Scooter Dempsey, praised the joint effort of the Byhalia Fire and Police departments and the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing the program which officially kicks off the Christmas season.

“This is for the kids to get the Christmas spirit,” Malone said. “Merry Christmas.”

Pastor Virgil Scherff, with Friendship Assembly of God in Victoria, provided the prayer and reason for the season.

He said Jesus was the first Christmas gift to the world.

“He taught us all how to love,” said Scherff. “We don’t know how to love without Jesus.”

Caroling was provided by Kids World Daycare (Calverta Brown, director), Friendship Christian Academy, first and second grades; Friendship Assembly of God’s fifth and sixth grades, and the Drama Team of Friendship Assembly of God, under the direction of Brenda Scherff, provided a dramatic dance to the song “Holy Is Your Name.”

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