Christmas Tree Lighting Festival Downtown Frankfort A Big Hit With Community

On a cold and breezy night, The first annual Christmas Tree Festival entertained hundreds of families for a night of song, music and games.

The evening started out with movies and cookie decorating at the Frankfort Library.

From there it continued on to the Tree Lighting Ceremony where the tree was lit by Mayor Judy Sheets and the coloring contest winner Reese Ferrel.

The Ugly Sweater Contest was a fun event. The winners were decided by audience vote.

Connie Pickard won for the Women’s ugliest sweater. Channing Wylie won for the men’s ugliest sweater both received gift cards and a Ugly Sweater Ribbon.

Then on to the children’s Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt.

Children from ages 2-5 looked for candy canes on the east side of the Courthouse and ages 6-10 hunted on the west side.
They all were looking for the special candy cane that would win them a bicycle.
Isaiah won the 2-5 bicycle and Averi won the 6-10 bicycle.

During the hunt, goody bags were handed out to all participants, Some even included gift cards from local merchants.

During and after these events there was entertainment by the Frankfort Orchestra and Choir, the Clinton Central Choir and singer Michael Peterson. Along with Christmas music provided by Good Times Professional Audio, the air was filled with Christmas sounds.

Inflatable games were set up around the Courthouse for all to enjoy and vendors braved the cold to offer their products for Christmas shoppers.

The event gave everyone that “Hallmark Christmas” feeling and was enjoyed by all.

The feature photograph was taken and is being used with permission from one of Frankfort’s finest photographers Randy Pillion. Thank you Randy.

Photos of the Tree Lighting Festival can be seen in links below and were taken by a variety of Festival goers and MaryLynn & Randy Peter.

Facebook users click here for photos

Non Facebook users click here for photos

The festival came about because MaryLynn Peter and Tammy Danner wanted a  home town  event with the feel of a Hallmark Christmas. They worked many hours and got many sponsors to make this dream come true. The only thing missing was a little bit of snow.

Story Contributor : MaryLynn Peter.