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More than 300 people turned out to show off their holiday spirit Thursday at the 16th annual Christmas at the Courthouse.
Blount County Mayor Jerry Cunningham welcomed the crowd before the official lighting of the Christmas trees that will be displayed on the courthouse lawn until Jan. 2.
“This is the second one of these events I’ve had the pleasure of being the mayor during it,” Cunningham said. “We want you to have a good time. It’s a wonderful sense of community to see you coming together.”
Local resident Lydia Morton attended the event with her children, Sara and Emma.
“We’re waiting for Santa Claus,” she said.
Morton’s mother, Lynelle Bennett, was impressed by the show of piety that opened the event.
“It’s wonderful that they can pray on the steps of the courthouse,” she said.
There are 38 decorated and lighted trees from businesses, civic groups, organizations, scout troops, churches, adopt-a-schools and their sponsors and others being displayed as part of the Festival of Trees, said Cookie Crowson of Maryville-Alcoa-Blount County Parks and Recreation.
The turnout pleased Crowson.
“They’re coming in from the sides,” she said, looking out on the audience from her vantage point on the courthouse steps. “I believe we’ve got an excellent crowd.”
County Commissioner Gary Farmer was on hand to help serve refreshments.
“This gives everyone in the community an opportunity to come out and meet and greet,” he said. “It’s something to try to make everyone happy. Most of the time when people come to the courthouse, they’re not very happy — they’re having to pay something. This time they get something back.
“Seriously, it’s an opportunity for us to give something back.”
During the opening ceremony, Cunningham presented the annual Pride of Tennessee award to Stone and Gloria Carr for their community involvement.
Jennifer Russell served as Crowson’s assistant in organizing the event, but she also had a personal reason to attend — her children, Molly, 6, and Ethan, 4.
“He’ll be here any minute,” Jennifer said to Ethan, who was very anxious for a certain red-suited community benefactor to arrive.
“They’re eager to see Santa come in on the fire truck,” she said, smiling at her children. “This is my first Festival of Trees. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it because the trees are beautiful.”