30+ degree temps set the mood for Santa arrival Friday night!

December 4, 2009

Despite the mercury dipping into the 30’s, a sea of good boys and girls crowded into the historic Murfreesboro square to welcome Santa Friday (12/4/09). The courthouse stage came alive around 5:30 with a special Christmas performance by the First Baptist Church puppeteers. (photos below: the puppets tell the manger story and then a random backstage shot)

Window Decorating Contest

The Center for the Arts won the downtown business Christmas decorating contest. Finalists included the Bungalow and Ray Hines & Co.

Second $100 Winner

Marie Potts who registered at Smotherman’s Antiques. Hmmm, the first winner registered there too. They have a winning streak!

Then the 6th grade band from Bradley Academy began to perform traditional Yuletide favorites as Luke Hill raised his baton. (L-R below photo: Bradley band, Brooke Arrington)

Then MTSU senior Brooke Arrington performed a variety of Christmas ballads. She has performed each of the four years of her college career. Young people were mesmerized with the musical styling’s of this Recording Industry Management major.

The evening continued with favorites from Siegel Middle School’s Select Choir (above top photo) directed by Alexis Derryberry. Then the North Boulevard Singers (above bottom photo) took to the stage with several Christmas carols.

The Performance Troupe from Baker Performance Academy (photo below) then offered choreographed numbers that were as professional as any Broadway creation.

Suddenly a distant siren was heard. It grew louder as the antique fire truck approached the square from East Main. Yes, we could now see Mrs. Claus and the jolly man in red. Santa and his wife came on the stage where they were joined by Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg, Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, and Main Street’s Richard Gabel as our county Christmas tree was lit. The tree was planted 15-years ago by Jeanne and Steve Russell when their grandson was born. The almost fifty-foot tree brightly came to life after technicians made some electrical adjustments.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus took their seats of honor to enjoy the rest of the Christmas concert. Angela Tipps and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir (top photo below) shared traditional holiday favorites.

Karen Blooding then stepped-up with the Homer Pittard Campus School Choir (above bottom photo). They have been a part of the downtown tree lighting since its early days many years ago.

The nationally known Marable Brothers expanded the musical Christmas feeling, followed by Oakland High School’s “No Girls Allowed Choir” directed by John McDonald.

Everyone took to the stage for the finale by singing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” The WGNS News Cruiser was parked in front of the Rutherford County Election Commission where listeners brought new blankets. For the 10th year the WGNS Blanket Brigade gives out these gifts of warmth on cold nights to local homeless persons. The Good Neighbor Station collects blankets all winter at its studio (306 South Church Street).

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