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Herrin lights up for Christmas

By Codell Rodriguez, The Southern

Thursday, December 4, 2008 10:30 PM CST

HERRIN - It took few tries to get the bulbs to work in the Christmas tree and Santa Claus was delayed by an accident along his route, but Herrin started its Christmas season nonetheless.

"Things didn't go perfect tonight, but this is a great thing," Mayor Vic Ritter said.

The event started Thursday with Ritter and City Clerk Marlene Simpson lighting the Christmas trees in the City Hall lobby while the Marion High School Choir sang carols to the dozens of citizens outside.

Simpson said it was encouraging to see people come out to see the lighting and take part in the festivities. She said the community togetherness was indicative of the town as a whole.

"That's just Herrin," Simpson said.

After a few carols and the town's acknowledging Banterra Bank for the best-dressed windows, Santa Claus made his appearance, riding in a horse-drawn carriage on Park Avenue. After a few waves and hellos, he headed to the Herrin Civic Center to meet with children and pose for photos.

Carrie Williford of West Frankfort visited with her daughter to meet Santa for the first time. She said the event was "great for the kids" and plans to come back next year.

Ritter said this is the first time in about 15 years that Herrin has had an organized Christmas celebration.

In addition to meeting Santa, people could take advantage of a selection of vendors who set up shop at the Civic Center. Bags of candy and hot chocolate and cider were available and some businesses sold food, including T-Birds in Marion who offered chili dogs.

Ritter said the celebration was a great way for people to forget about their troubles and just take time to enjoy the holidays.

"There are a lot of things to be glum and sad about, but let's forget about that until after Christmas," Ritter said.

The event was organized by the Herrin spokesman.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

351-5804