Christmas comes to light in Commercial Circle Park

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Hundreds gathered Thursday night on the southwestern segment of Commercial Circle in Warner Robins — families and friends, city leaders and community members — to welcome in the holiday season.

As dusk turned to night you could find children taking train rides, small groups taking in hot chocolate and popcorn together, live music, even a Santa Claus letter station and the man in red himself speaking with children.

At 6:07 p.m., Mayor LaRhonda Patrick aligned herself beneath the large Christmas tree that sat in the center of the park.

The mayor thanked the vendors present for helping to make this event happen, Santa Claus for making an appearance and for the individuals within the Warner Robins Events Board and the Warner Robins Christmas Event Board for their work in preparing this event.

Miss International City 2023 Sarah Stallings made an appearance alongside the mayor, as well as Miss Warner Robins Outstanding Teen Cameron Griffith and Miss Warner Robins Princess Taylor Ransom.

Following their introduction, Patrick and her son, Lane, worked to light the tree.

As the tree lights turned on, yellow white light reflected off green branches, and the large red and white topper above gained some luminescence. The lights of the tree joined the ranks of the light around it, including a large depiction of the birth of Christ and several other pieces of Christmas imagery.

Families continued to meander around the park while Norman Bester played saxophone, and Santa Claus listened to the wishes of children for the upcoming Christmas. The C.B. Watson Primary School Chorus sang a number of songs in front of the tree.

Stepping away from the crowd, Mayor Patrick told The Journal she felt great to see so many people out at the event, calling the area Warner Robins’ “Christmas Wonderland.”

“I just love everything about tonight,” Patrick said. “Especially with the state of our nation right now and how there’s so much divide, to see everything here in this International City — we’re all coming together in the spirit of Christmas, just to enjoy each other and enjoy the scenery — that is just amazing.”

Sonja Cross and her young son, Mason, came out Thursday night to enjoy a family event and surround herself in community. She learned of the event through Facebook. They spoke to The Journal while waiting in line to meet Santa Claus.

“I love it,” Cross said. “I think it’s great.”

Richard Kinsey and his young daughter, Lily, spoke with The Journal while waiting to meet Mr. Claus as well. Kinsey said, being born and raised in Warner Robins, that this event was a big deal for him.

“To see the city be more involved, they have lights up — it’s always been festive here, but it’s nice to see events happening,” Kinsey said. “It seems to be more and more of a common thing.”

Kinsey came out with his daughter to mark her third Christmas.

“We came out here for the tree lighting, got some free popcorn and a train ride — that’s great,” Kinsey added.

The City of Warner Robins will host a number of other Christmas events this season, including: A Home Decorating Competition — sign up is deadlined for Dec. 2 and awards will be given Dec. 15; the annual Christmas parade on Watson Boulevard, Dec. 3; a Christmas Tree Planting Ceremony, Dec. 5; a Family Fun Night, Dec. 7; Pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at City Hall, Dec. 15.

Marking the end of the season, the city will also hold a Christmas Tree Roundup Jan. 7. As events come closer, you can read about them here in The Houston Home Journal.

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