Ranson tree lighting spreads holiday spirit

Elf Emily Burlette welcomed each child who hoped to share a Christmas wish list with Santa. Photo by Toni Milbourne.
RANSON — To find holiday cheer, one needed to only go as far as Ranson last Sunday evening. The town spread its holiday spirit throughout the evening, as the town tree was lit at Lancaster Circle.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a horse drawn carriage, right before Mayor Duke Pierson welcomed everyone to town and called for the lights to shine forth.
“We welcome all of you to Ranson’s 13th Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony,” Pierson said in greeting. He then thanked the events sponsors, and encouraged the crowd to enjoy hot chocolate and smores while waiting to visit with Santa Claus.
Several entertainers performed on stage, including students from Ranson Elementary School and Ava Chicchirichi, who wowed the crowd with holiday favorites, such as “Where Are You Christmas?”
The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Frosty the Snowman were some of the holiday characters on hand this year for children to meet.Children were also able to pick up a s’mores kit and be assisted in making s’mores with the help of the members of Independent Fire Company, who oversaw a bonfire at the event.
In keeping with the holiday spirit, the Ranson CVB had reached out to local businesses to provide in-kind donations for a Hands and Gloves Drive. Generous sponsors who participated, included City National Bank, Guys Buick, Nibert Realty and Auctions, Rockwool, R&L Landscapes, Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, West Virginia Breeder’s Classic, Trophies R Us and Dairy Queen. Last year, the CVB was able to distribute 330 hats and gloves to children at the tree lighting event.
Activities in the town continue through the month of December. On Saturday, Independent Fire Hall will host their annual Breakfast with Santa from 7-11 a.m.
Santa will then head out, to prepare for his role in the 74th Annual Charles Town/Ranson Christmas Parade, themed “Peace on Earth.”
Before the parade starts, Santa will make his way into the crowd from the top of United Bank on Washington Street, at approximately 1:45 p.m. Members of Citizen’s Fire Company help him descend via their ladder truck, and Charles Town’s police officers will escort him to his sleigh, as the final entry in the parade lineup.
The parade does not end the holiday celebrations.
On Dec. 8 at 11 a.m., children are invited to have lunch with Santa at the Ranson Civic, as part of the Ranson Reindeer Games. Children can enjoy pizza, courtesy of Pizza City, and participate in activities and games, thanks to the generosity of Harvest Pointe Community Church. The event is free and open to the public.
More information on all of Ransons Christmas events can be found at www.ransonwv.us.