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On Tuesday evening, the night sky seemed dim compared to the holiday lights on Badin’s Falls Road and the Village Green, but below-freezing temperatures did not diminish the high spirits of a couple hundred people in town for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Those hardy folks sitting on metal bleachers just sat closer together.
Coping with late autumn’s fickle weather has often brought last minute changes to the outdoor event, said Dan Dalton, chairman of Better Badin’s Tree Lighting Committee.
Dalton was first pressed into service as emcee eight years ago when rainy weather caused a last-minute move inside to Badin Elementary School auditorium. The kindergarten show had to go on, but without the actual tree lighting.
Despite unpredictability, the annual tradition brings the community together and draws nearby area residents to town. Accordingly, Better Badin volunteers begin planning six to eight months ahead, with coordination between the town staff and Badin Elementary School, public works and Badin Volunteer Fire Department and town business owners.
“I love working with kids,” said Dalton, explaining his willingness to lead the committee.
This year’s volunteers are Deloris Chambers, Sue Dalton, Bob Keys, Liz Lowder and Jane Rife, augmented by Chris Comeau, Tim Irvin and Gary Rife, who set up sound equipment on the day of the event. Placing spotlights and bleachers requires hours of effort by Badin Public Works staff. The Badin VFD assists in many ways and arranges a VIP arrival for the guest of honor—Santa Claus.
For the last month or so, the students have been rehearsing under the direction of Badin Elementary’s music teacher, according to kindergarten teacher Samantha Hogan.
“Donna Barnett has done a wonderful job teaching them the songs and being so patient with them,” said Hogan.
At 6 p.m., about 30 students from the kindergarten classes taught by Miss Hogan, Mrs. Coble, Miss Petrik and Mrs. Waterman stand straight though not-so-tall on risers near the darkened Christmas tree on Badin’s Village Green.
Town Councilman Demar Huntley extends a warm welcome to everyone and closes by saying, “I hope you have magical evening.”
Pastor Christian Herring of Badin Baptist Church offers a prayer, then the singing begins with songs about Santa’s coming and bells ringing.
After the mini concert, Dalton leads the children in calling “light that tree” until the multi-colored lights flash all over the 25-foot tree, then with Dalton’s prompting, the children sing, “Here Comes Santa Claus,” so Santa can find them.
From the vicinity of Badin’s Volunteer Fire Department on Lou Donaldson Boulevard, the sound of a siren announces Santa’s arrival. With lights flashing, fire engine No. 261 — the Silver Bullet — comes to a halt on Falls Road. And who should appear, but Santa in all his red-suited glory accompanied by a slightly shy, and very elfish elf. The pair makes their jolly way to the town gazebo where a line of bundled up children and parents quickly form.
For well over an hour Santa (known around town as Bob Keys) listens attentively to children’s wishes while his elf (known as Mayor Gary Lowder’s grandson Sawyer Clayton) hands out treat bags.
Other visitors to town cozy up to a couple of tables where hot cocoa and apple cider along with cookies and milk are handed out by business owner Renita Ritchie and Better Badin hosts Jane Rife and Sue Dalton.
No matter the weather, Dalton says, “It comes down to the kids. This evening is about them.”

Jo Grey is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.