Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/422861
NOV. 26 - DEC. 2, 2014 UCW 7 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM For centuries evergreens have been a symbol of hope. Their green foliage standing out against the bleak white winter symbolized life. Historians believe that 16th century Germany is where the modern concept of the Christmas tree originated. The now common tradition was mildly popular in America at first, but in 1846 it took hold after Queen Victoria had a Christmas tree. Fort Bragg has been embracing the holiday tradition annually with its Christmas Tree Lighting, which takes place this year on Dec. 4. The Christmas tree, the center of the event, is huge. Rhett Stroupe, Fort Bragg special events coordinator, says that the tree is 21 feet tall and 1,500 lights are used to make it twinkle. Nothing can conjure up the sense of holiday wonder like an evergreen sparkling in the night. Taking in the splendor of the giant tree on a winter evening filled with fun is the perfect way to celebrate the season. People of all ages can enjoy the beauty of the tree and a warm hot chocolate, but the tree is not the only fun attraction at the Fort Bragg Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. There is fun for the whole family all night long. "One may expect fun — FMWR kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas Tree, light refreshments, holiday entertainment, Miss North Carolina 2014, bounce houses, trackless train, snow slide ramp and Santa Claus!" Stroupe said. For those who have never attended the event, Stroupe advises, "Come early and dress according to the weather." There is sure to be a crowd so arriving early ensures your ability to experience all that the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has to offer. And although it is North Carolina, it can still get chilly after sundown. If it does, you can always grab a cup of hot chocolate to warm your hands and spirits. With that being said, don't forget to bring your jacket. It takes an incredible amount of work to organize large-scale events like this, but it is a labor of love. Planning begins months in advance, but for Stroupe it is worth every moment of work. He says that "seeing the smiles on children's faces and knowing MWR is making a positive difference in the lives of military families" is what makes it all worthwhile. The annual ceremony has become a holiday tradition for many of the area's families. It has grown substantially every year. "The attendance for my first event several years ago was approximately 400; last year our attendance was approximately 1,200," Stroupe said. The Fort Bragg Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is open to the public and takes place on Dec. 4, at the Main Post Parade Field. The field is on Reilly Road across from Womack Army Medical Center. The ceremony begins at 5 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.fortbraggmwr.com/christmas-tree-lighting or call 396-6126. Additionally at 4 p.m., the Fort Bragg Family of the Year Ceremony is at the Main Post Chapel. Tradition Continues at Fort Bragg Tree Lighting Ceremony BY ERINN CRIDER The Leading Edge In Contemporary Living MOVE IN TODAY! AddisonRidge.com • 910.227.3775 Hail & Farewells • Call for Reservations • We Cater 217 Hay St. Historic Downtown 678-8885 5780 Ramsey St. Next to Methodist University 822-3590 Voted Fayetteville's Best Overall Restaurant Voted Fayetteville's Best Overall Restaurant Authentic Italian Cuisine Brick Fired NY Pizza 3010 Traemoor Village Dr. Hope Mills 491-4667 Wed. night 1/2 price bottle of wine • Tues. night $5 martinis ERINN CRIDER, Staff Writer. COM- MENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com. 910.484.6200. The Fort Bragg Tree Lighting Ceremony is a a fun-filled event that kicks of the Fort Bragg holiday season.