Every December, the sky lights up over Lemon Grove, as Mayor Mary Sessom envisioned it almost twenty years ago. She had been in New Mexico over the holidays and watched a community come together around a bonfire. Seventeen years later, Lemon Grove gathered shoulder-to-shoulder around a large pile of wood that became a bright, warm fire lit by the mayor, who had some help from the local fire department and the people of her city cheering her on.
“This is my baby,” said Sessom.
Every December, the sky lights up over Lemon Grove, as Mayor Mary Sessom envisioned it almost twenty years ago. She had been in New Mexico over the holidays and watched a community come together around a bonfire. Seventeen years later, Lemon Grove gathered shoulder-to-shoulder around a large pile of wood that became a bright, warm fire lit by the mayor, who had some help from the local fire department and the people of her city cheering her on.
“This is my baby,” said Sessom.
With the scent of barbecue from Coop’s West Texas BBQ mixing with the bonfire and palm trees wrapped with lights, it was a Southern California-style Christmas event at its best. No dangerous winds, no rain, it was a night that was so unifying in anticipation of the season that even Sessom was at a loss for words. She smiled, held her hands up, acknowledging all the people enjoying the festivities, when explaining her favorite part about the event.
Community partners and non-profit organizations were present, at booths, and the Parsonage Museum and Lee House on Olive Street, staffed by the Lemon Grove Historical Society, as well as high school and college student volunteers. The LGHS decorated the Christmas tree as well as it’s buildings in the square — lights and decor done so thoughtfully that history and modern day seemed suspended in a timeless holiday eve.
The event was free and family oriented, and according to LGHS President Helen Ofield, the non-commercial aspect of the event is intentional. Judging by the lines for Santa, hot chocolate and cookies, and horse rides, that intent that keeps the event simple and fun is not in vain.
No one complained about the live band either, in fact, people danced and sang along from the very first song.
Santa may have had the most fans. Two-year-old Maddie was first in line to see him, and asked for a magnifying glass and tweezers. Lemon Grove mom, Amanda said “It’s a good family event, Santa’s really good. Seeing all the familiar faces, it’s good to catch up with people you don’t see very often.”
From teenagers to parents with little ones to the generation familiar with the 60s songs played by the band (“Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire” appropriately played during the bonfire lighting), everyone seemed to know and have good-natured greetings for each other.
If you missed it this year, you can count on tradition to give you another chance in 2015.
