By Diandra Spicak
The Christmas season is here for Rockbridge County.
Last Tuesday, Buena Vista ushered in the advent of the holiday season with its Christmas tree lighting.
“It brings back memories of when I grew up in Buena Vista,” said Ronnie Coffey, with Buena Vista’s Parks and Recreation department. “It’s a place where everybody kind of loves everybody, and it’s a special place, especially Christmastime.”
People came out despite the cold wind and rain to watch the lighting and to sing Christmas carols. Strains of “The First Noel” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” rang out through the night, as citizens huddled together to keep warm.
Eight-year-old Mary Lepere, who moved to Buena Vista nearly five months ago, thought the tree lighting was “cool.”
“[My favorite part was] singing the Christmas carols,” she said. Her favorite? “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Following the tree lighting, the crowd was invited to share hot chocolate in the firehouse across the street.
Other Christmas and holiday celebrations are planned for this weekend:
