Falkville Community Pride members Bonnie Thompson, Francis Rowe, Tina Rogers and Ginny Williams, from left, prepare refreshments for Falkville’s Christmas in the Park.

A fun-filled Christmas in the Park program officially opened the Christmas holiday season in Falkville on Sunday afternoon with an estimated 150 people in attendance.

Sponsored by Falkville Community Pride, the event featured the playing and singing of popular Christmas carols, the lighting of the town’s live Christmas tree in Jack McCaig Park and hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.

Falkville High School band played a medley of four Christmas carols while David Halbrooks sang “O Holy Night” and was joined by townspeople in the singing of “O Come All Ye Faithful”. “Silent Night” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

Emcee Francis Rowe welcomed guests and asked them to remember those who have passed away since the previous year’s Christmas in the Park. She singled out the late Jim Grissom, who previously served as emcee of the Christmas event.

“Events like this in a small town help pull the people together,” said Falkville Mayor Bob Ramey. “It makes you feel like you’re part of a big family.”

Bro. David Carroll, a councilman and pastor of Victory Fellowship Church gave the invocation and thanked the Community Pride organization for its support of Christmas in the Park and other worthwhile community events.

“I understand that they have no source of on-going revenue and would like to undertake other community projects,” he pointed out. “”Some of us have discussed what can be done to help and decided to ask for donations here today.”

He later announced that $347.45 was contributed to their cause.

Brewer JROTC cadets Josh Battenberg and Nathan Scroggins raised the American flag. Julie Asherbranner read “The Christmas Tree Legend” and cadet Battenberg lit the Christmas tree.

Community Pride volunteers served hot chocolate and cookies at the conclusion of the event.