By John Brice
Correspondent
Seasons greetings were in full swing with a tree lighting event outside the courthouse entrance in downtown LaFayette hosted by the Christmas Committee during the evening hours of Sunday, December 1st of 2024.
LaFayette Christmas Committee Chair Adrian Holloway welcomed the attendees which was followed by a prayer led by Chambers County Probate Court Judge Paul Story. At that point, Christmas Committee Co-chair Emily Milford addressed the crowd by remarking “I also would like to thank everybody for coming out tonight. I know it’s a little chilly but honestly, we are blessed for some really beautiful weather for a tree lighting. It’s not too chilly, the wind is not blowing. It is a great evening for something like this. I was appointed as co-chair this year by the committee. I have been on it for a couple years and it has been a task. We have had quite the month but it has been one that we have all, I think at the end of the day, all thoroughly enjoyed. We have been able to work together and pull off some beautiful, amazing decorations around the town.”
Providing further detail, Milford continued “We definitely could not have done this without a ton of volunteers, a ton of support from the city. I know my family helped a lot also. Some of us were out here at 7:30 this morning making sure this tree got up and that we could have this awesome event for all of you guys. We are actually going to also start introducing our grand marshal to you guys for the parade that we are going to have next Saturday. So you all make sure that you come out for that also.”
Milford then introduced local business owner of Mexican restaurant Monte Alban #3 Luis Marroquin as grand marshal of this year’s Christmas parade. Marroquin and his family then stood for group portrait photos in front of the tree. Guests were encouraged by Milford to join together in singing classic Christmas carols which was then followed by Mayor Kenneth Vines addressing the crowd.
Following the widely celebrated event there were many social media posts supporting the Christmas Committee with LaFayette Main Street commenting via Facebook “We are delighted for the selection of Luis Marroquin as the Grand Marshal of the LaFayette Annual Christmas Parade. This distinguished position is awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to the community. Luis has consistently shown his dedication to our community in many ways. As a small business owner, he has demonstrated remarkable kindness and genuine love for our town. Luis and his family hold a special place in the hearts of many, and we eagerly anticipate his leadership in this year’s parade. Come out for the parade this Saturday in downtown LaFayette! We can’t wait to see you there!”
