Somerset: A Christmas Village

By CHRIS HARRIS and SUSAN WHEELDON, CJ Staff Writers
Commonwealth Journal

December 08, 2008 08:24 am

— For one magical night, downtown Somerset transformed into a genuine Christmas village. One could walk down the city sidewalks — cozy bulbs burning bright into the dark evening sky and the sound of holiday music dancing in the air — and pop inside nearly any door for cookies, punch, and a good old-fashioned smile.
The next morning, the community put that Christmas magic on wheels and took the show on the road.
This chilly December weekend played host to Somerset’s traditional welcoming of the Yuletide season, with Friday’s “Christmas on the Square” event and Saturday’s Christmas parade.
Among the highlights: Pulaski Judge-Executive Barty Bullock and Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler working in tandem to turn on the lights bedecking the 20-foot spruce tree lodged in the Fountain Square throughout the holiday season; lots of creative floats moseying down Main Street; and the town’s yearly visit by the Big Man, in the flesh — Santa Claus.
Of course, being Santa and all, the jolly old elf has connections. Using his pull with Judge Bullock, Santa found time Friday to sit in the lobby of the county courthouse and hear the Christmas wishes of child after child. Then St. Nick worked out his annual deal with Jack Keeney and the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce to take a ride in the South Kentucky RECC truck in the big Christmas parade and wave to all his adoring fans.

• The theme for this year’s festivities was “Christmas in the 1940s,” but Friday night felt less like a peek into the past and more like a picture-perfect portrait of Somerset’s present. Though much of the town’s commercial lifeblood is off the sidewalks and out on the highway, a core group of committed businesses and civic leaders have kept downtown alive, and the “open house” in which numerous downtown businesses took part provided the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for these local champions.
Over 20 businesses and entities took part in the open house and prize drawing that took place on the square. It was the perfect chance to warm up inside some welcoming doorway, enjoy some good food and holiday treats, and ring in the season with friends old and new.
“The crowd’s been great,” said Cindy Clouse of Citizens National Bank as people filed in to pick up some of the bank’s tasty treat. “There’s been lots of people.”
The event was made possible through the efforts of Downtown Somerset Development Corporation working with the City and County governments. Lynda Evans, Downtown Development’s Administrative Assistant, was pleased with the effort, the togetherness, and the festive music blaring through the same speakers that play golden oldies to the summer car shows, thanks to the help of the Somernites Cruise Team.
“I am absolutely thrilled (with the way the event turned out),” said Evans. “I was kind of worried about the weather, but it doesn’t seem to have stopped anyone from coming out.
“It’s nerve-wracking for the week before (the event),” she added, “but the night of it, it’s wonderful, it’s exciting, and it comes together.”
All of this led up to the main attraction. A sizable crowd gathered in front of a stage set up on the square, where the tree was lit and prize winners were announced. Emcee Dan Venters, Somerset’s own State Supreme Court Justice, got things underway by introducing the event, and providing Mayor Girdler and Judge Bullock the chance to say some words. Somerset First Baptist Church pastor French Harmon offered a prayer, and then the music of children set the scene: The Bell Tones from Bell Elementary in Wayne County and youthful singers from Burnside Elementary and Northern Middle School brought glad tidings with a number of vocal holiday favorites.
Said Girdler, “As we remember the 1940s and World War II, the good thing that came out of the sacrifices made was a new commitment to a new world and a better life .... We (as elected officials) want to make sure we’re committed to serving you.”
Finally, just after 7:30 p.m., Bullock and Girdler both flipped the switch for the tree lights, which burst brilliantly into the night. The tree is adorned with 25 strands of lights, each with 150 bulbs and four currents feeding electricity to the holiday decorations. The lights are the same ones used in past years, but Evans said the red balls on the tree cost up to $300, all of which took a whole day to put on the tree.
“The tree this year is absolutely beautiful,” said Girdler. “It’s a very monumental tree, and I think it reflects the season, because we’re going to do great wonders. I think this tree represents a great city and a great county.”
Girdler also suggested that next year, the whole event might be even bigger and better, with more prizes, more events, and hopefully an even bigger crowd.
“We can guarantee, next year it will be unbelievable,” said Girdler. “We’re going to do a great job next year.”
Girdler’s wish this Christmas was somewhat somber, acknowledging the difficulties many are facing in this current economic landscape.
“My greatest Christmas wish is that our economy gets better and the people prosper in 2009,” he said. “We need to look forward and be very positive that we can help people and do a better job.”
Bullock’s Christmas wish was shorter and sweeter.
“Peace on Earth,” he said.
A sure wish for every community leader.

• The 1940s feel came through loud and clear during the Christmas parade. Held in the daytime once again after last year saw the first early parade in several years, the streets of downtown Somerset were lined with eager children and their parents, hoping to scoop up some candy tossed from floats, or just see Santa Claus, clad in his traditional red suit and stylish sunglasses (Somerset is quite a bit brighter than the North Pole).
A float sponsored by First Baptist Church portrayed a family huddled in front of an old-style radio, celebrating decades of the church’s presence on local airwaves, and a World War II-era sailor standing for his country.
Dr. Carter Blevins, member of First Baptist Church, noted that the congregation’s Sunday night services began being aired live on the WFSC for the first time in 1947.
Blevins said one of the reasons the church wanted to be involved in the parade this year is that they saw it as a way to stay involved in local missions and the community.
“I think everybody involved with really enjoyed it,” said Blevins of the 75 to 80 participants in the parade.
Bob McAlpin, another member at First Baptist Church, said he believed the parade was very successful.
“The parade had died down in the last few years,” said McAlpin. “They really brought it back this year. ... It was unbelievable.”
Some floats captured cinematic visions of the ‘40s. One by Nancy Elementary School represented the ageless movie “A Christmas Story,” set in 1940, and portrayed such scenes as the boy getting his tongue stuck to the frosty pole, and the infamous leg lamp. Another crafted by Eagle Heights Church featured images from the beloved 1946 film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” — and plenty of angels had their wings intact.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life took part in the festive event by having a purple float that carried 15 volunteers and survivors.
Brooke Cary, community representative for the American Cancer Society, said they have decided to participate because they wanted to show community support and let people know the organization is there to help.
“Cancer is year round so we want our presence to be year round,” said Cary.
Bullock and Girdler were there, riding motorcycles along the parade route, which started at Meece Middle School, heading down E. Mt. Vernon Street, winding around the Fountain Square, proceeding up N. Main Street, and finally turning up Oak Street, with the parade dismissing at Somerset High School. Congressman Hal Rogers, the parade’s grand marshal, proved just about the only figure who could upstage Santa Claus — both have brought many a gift to Pulaski County.
Following the parade, Keeney, executive director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, said there were about 90 entries in the parade this year, up significantly from previous years.
“It’s probably one of the biggest ones we’ve ever had,” said Keeney.
Keeney said the number of floats grew, coming in this year at 18 — usually there are just three to five floats.
“The community really just got involved with the floats and was very active this year,” said Keeney. “The floats were great this year.”
The Somerset Community College float won grand prize. It showed how the town looked 60 years ago.
For one family — the Brunsons, who have three daughters — the parade is the way they kickoff this special time on the calendar.
“It’s something we do every year to signify the start of the holiday season for us,” said Diane Brunson.
Keeney said he believes the event grew because there was really just an effort from the whole community from churches, schools and businesses to be involved.
“I just think we had a good representation from all parts of the community,” said Kenney. “What a wonderful atmosphere to kick off the Christmas season with the tree lighting (Friday night), the parade (Saturday) and the Festival of Trees (continuing today) and all the things going on in our community.”

FLOAT WINNERS:

Grand Winner
Somerset Community College

Church Winners
1st — Liberty Baptist Church
2nd — Eagle Heights Church

School Winners
1st — Somerset Community College
2nd — Nancy Elementary School

Community Winners
1st — Cub Scout Troop 727
2nd — Cub Scout Troop 184

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