Contributions needed for Elizabethton
Downtown Christmas Lighting Program
By Rozella Hardin
STAR STAFF
It's almost Christmas time -- time for Elizabethton
to put on her holiday best in the way of decorations and lights.
The Elizabethton Christmas Parade -- Nov. 17 -- is only a
month and a few days away.
This year, $5,000 is needed for the Downtown
Christmas Lighting Project according to Harvey Anderson, committee
chairman.
"We are not going to add new displays because
of our financial conditions. We are planning to have the Pepsi
wagon on the Elk Avenue Bridge again this year, and we hope
the choirs will come back this year," Anderson said.
He said the $5,000 will enable the committee
to complete the fourth year of a five-year program. "We also
hope to keep the lights on the bridge burning year-round from
dark until midnight," he added.
Anderson said, "This year we are facing the biggest
challenge we have had so far due to the economic conditions
of our city and county. We dislike having to ask for contributions,
but this is the only way we can keep making our town the most
beautiful town in East Tennessee."
He noted that letters had been sent to attorneys,
medical professionals, merchants and churches in the city
and county, requesting sizable donations. "We are also placing
containers in various business places, and hope people will
show their appreciation for the lights by dropping a donation
into the containers before Christmas," he said.
The idea of Christmas lights for Elizabethton
began in December 1997, when the City Council agreed to place
money in the 1998 budget for lights. The county was also asked
to participate and responded favorably. Harvey Anderson, who
at that time was a member of the Council, was chosen to head
the project. Appointed to a committee to help him were Richard
Tester, Joe Alexander, Cleo Reed, Charlie Stahl, Phil Isaacs,
Larry Verran, Barbara Treadway, Joe Ledford, Dale Fair, John
Bryant, Tracy Behrer, Robin Lyons and Rev. Harold Mains. As
members move or drop out, new committee members are added;
the newest being Florence Presson and Arklie Hooten.
The committee put into play a plan of action
that would include adding lights each year for five years.
The first year, 75 lights were placed on poles on Elk Avenue
and E Street. Sponsors were acquired for the displays and
recognized with a metal sign near the display.
Anderson said a contract was signed with Charlie
Rottenberry, owner of Tri-City Decorating Co., who agreed
to sell the City the lights and displays, put them up and
take them down, and store and maintain them yearly. As his
contribution, he placed a Christmas tree in the Pine Street
Park.
"Last year, it was unbelievable at the number
of people who came to see the lights. This hasn't happened
in 20 years, other than to watch the lighting of the Fraser
Fir, which is spectacular within itself," said Anderson.
He noted that there were visitors from all over
East Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and South
Carolina, who passed through to see the lights. "Also, there
were several families from Florida who passed through," he
said.
During the holiday season, Pepsi has provided
a wagon and free popcorn and candy have been given to visitors.
Anderson said that last year several downtown
merchants stayed open late on Friday and Saturday nights during
the holiday season. "Another positive addition to the program
last year were the church choirs that sang," he said.
Individuals who would like to make a donation
to the lights may contact Anderson at 542-6132 or Joe Alexander
at 543-2221. "Persons who would like to make a contribution
in honor of a loved one or in memory of someone are invited
to do so," Anderson said.
Also, businesses or groups that would like to
purchase a display or ideas about improving the program are
asked to contact Anderson or Alexander. "We are also open
to new members," Anderson said.
Checks may be made payable to the Holiday Lighting
Fund. They can be dropped off or mailed to Alexander Insurance
Agency, 612 E. Elk Ave., Elizabethton, TN 37643.
