Photos By Thomas Sellers Jr. & Taliyah Chalmers
In 2020, the City of Millington Christmas Tree Lighting event maybe had about 20 residents attending. Fast forward a year to last Thursday night, dozens and dozens of people were on hand at the Millington Fire Station No. 1 located at 4836 Navy Road. Millington Mayor Terry Jones and the staff from the Millington Arts and Recreation Department welcomed the large crowd outside waiting on the tree to illuminate to motorists and those passing by.
Before the official lighting of the tree at 6:30, several area children were in line waiting to visit Santa Claus in the bay of the Fire Station. Millington firefighters provided hot cocoa and treats for the families while they waited to get pictures and a wish-list to the Jolly Man. Holiday music was live with Millington Central Middle High School Band Director Kreston Smith and crew playing jazzy tunes.
Right on time, Jones and the large crowd counted down to the tree lighting. Among those there to enjoy the moment were Blake Evans with his wife and children. Millington Public Safety Director Gary Graves was there to enjoy the moment as well.
In their holiday plaid were Kayla Hollingsworth, Tabatha Smith, Brandon Williamson, Kassidy Smith (10), Haydon Williamson (8), Cayla Smith (8), Kayson Hollingswoth (6) and Tamera Hobson (4). The Amazing Eight came coordinated for all the festivities.
Making sure he would make Santa’s “Nice List” Jayvon Smith, 7 years-old, was in negotiations with the man from the North Pole to hopefully get a hoverboard.
LaRishe Hardy was there with her daughters Gabrielle Hardy and Mallorie Middlebrook. Many more enjoyed the evening and got ready for the upcoming parade.
