City of Gaffney ushers in the holiday season with Christmas on Limestone
Festivities get underway Friday evening with tree lighting ceremony
Christmas on Limestone gives the City of Gaffney an opportunity to celebrate the season with every citizen.

Ledger File Photo Eight-year-old Conner Danielle Flowe of Charlotte helped Mayor Henry Jolley light the city's Christmas tree at last year's celebration.

On Friday, Nov. 30, the event will be officially announced by the Town Crier at 6 p.m. in Gaffney's City Hall Park prior to the lighting of the Christmas tree by Mayor Henry Jolly.

The mayor will be assisted in lighting the tree in the historic downtown area. Children age 12 and under can register at the park from 5-5:45 p.m. for a drawing with the winner helping the mayor in the tree lighting ceremonies.

The 25-foot cedar tree will be decorated with the assistance of Glenda Hartzog, who said she is proud to see a tree of this stature, donated by Wylie Hamrick, represent the city.

Mrs. Hartzog hopes that everyone will come and join friends and family at the event.

"Christmas on Limestone is growing each year," she said. "All of the downtown merchants will be open to allow visitors to get a head start on their holiday shopping."

Following the lighting of the tree, holiday music and traditional songs of Ireland and Appalachia can be heard at the Michael Gaffney log cabin. Little Windows will lend their special blend of music in a candlelit concert beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Shirley and Joe Randolph will dress the cabin in vintage holiday decorations and serve as hosts and guides for the evening. Hot cider, cookies and a marshmallow roasting will offer visitors a step back in time.

The City of Gaffney Visitor's Center and the CAVA Gallery will be open for those who want to come in from the elements and warm up with Starbucks coffee, hot chocolate and other refreshments. At the same time, visitors can view local arts and crafts and make gift purchases. CAVA artists will also be on the premises to assist children in special hands-on craft projects. Adults can register for a holiday gift basket filled with artwork.

The first annual Festival of Trees, sponsored by the Village School of Gaffney and 20 other nonprofit organization from Cherokee County, will be featured at the City Hall. City employees and representatives of the sponsoring organizations will greet and guide guests through the holiday presentation.

City officials hope that Christmas on Limestone will bring the community together to share in the holiday spirit. Each year the event has grown and attracted a larger and more diverse crowd.

This year's event is sponsored by the Gaffney Downtown Business Association, chaired by Loretta O'Donald, who said she hopes that Cherokeeans will make Christmas on Limestone a part of their family's annual holiday tradition.