BLUEFEILD, WV (WOAY)- The annual Christmas tree lighting in Bluefield was a little different this year due to construction downtown. They had it at their city park where they hold their annual holiday of lights event. They had a chorus of local children starting off the lighting with carols then the magic happened. The tree was automated to play music and “dance” to the music but when and how did this start?
“It was actually started three years ago. They were just looking to have a larger tree. And my boss, the director for public works, had actually found this company that made singing/dancing trees after she had went to Dollywood and saw the big tree that they have there. They have that really fancy tree,” said Craig Strahm, the Deputy Director of Bluefield Public Works. “So, we found one that we as a city could afford that could do something similar, make it something special that not every city had.”
I got a chance to talk to some of the singers after words about why they wanted to sing at the lighting.
“It’s just I always like fun things and I always want to do stuff with my family,” said Nolan.
“I’m a very good singer.” said Sarah.
After the festivities, people of all ages got to go talk to Santa, and even though they only lit up the tree, the city manager for Bluefield explains why the holiday of lights is a great event.
“It’s a really nice way to get families together. And my public works team, which is the best in the world, puts this together. So, folks should have a really nice Christmas and spend time with their family,” said Cecil Marson, Bluefield City Manager.
