By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
Recently the community of Fork Union has been finding ways to bring the community together. A community that has seen an erosion of its businesses over the past few years decided this year it was time to revive and redefine itself. They had a parade late in the summer to bring out community members and now they will be having their first annual tree-lighting event to kick off the holidays.
The tree lighting event will take place at 4312 James Madison Highway in Fork Union (the old grocery store parking lot ) on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 4-8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 from 3-7 p.m. On Dec. 9, the ceremony lasts from 4-8 p.m. with the tree lighting countdown at 6 p.m.
“The event is organized by a few private citizens of the Fork Union community, with donations from several businesses and individuals in and around the area,” said Nina Monroe, one of the organizers of the event. “All donors will be recognized for their contributions at the event, except for those who wish to remain anonymous. Because of their contributions, this event is free to the public.”
Mozell Booker, supervisor of the Fork Union District, will welcome guests and lead the countdown for the tree lighting.
“There will caroling, carriage rides, door prizes, a raffle, A visit from Santa Claus, and a Kidz Zone with several activities for the children,” she said. “There will be soups, chili, hot cocoa, tea, coffee, and hot apple cider, as well as cookies, popcorn, and donuts.”
This will be the first official tree-lighting event for the Fork Union community.
“The goal is to establish and foster an annual tradition that will bring the entire community together to celebrate the magic of the Christmas holiday season.”
