DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Christmas season in Tullahoma officially kicked off this past Saturday as the downtown Christmas tree at History Park was lit in the annual Flip the Switch event as scores of people braved the bitter wind chill for some Yule Tide fun.

The tree lighting came following an afternoon event in and around History Park as vendors set up with food and Christmas items. There was also an area for children to write letters to Santa that would be forwarded to the North Pole for processing at Santa’s workshop. Due to a mechanical issue, the petting zoo, which was a major hit at last year’s event, was unable to join the fun as planned

Meanwhile, nestled inside the cozy Caboose at the park was Mrs. Claus. The First Lady of Christmas was on hand for a chat with children and find out what they wanted for Christmas. She pointed out to children that she had the “ear of the Jolly Ole Elf” when it came to Christmas.

The afternoon culminated just after sundown when Riley and Kinsley, who were drawn from the hat for the honor, counted down “five … four … three … two … one” in unison with the crowd and yelled “Flip the Switch” to light the Christmas tree and nearby lights in the park. Spectators audibly gasped and erupted in applause as History Park was bathed in light from the increased and improved Christmas lights around the park.

It was the fourth year for the event hosted by the Tullahoma Community Foundation. The Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), established in 1999 to provide support for local nonprofit organizations and charitable causes in the Tullahoma area. The organization is known for events like its annual “Flip the Switch” Christmas tree lighting ceremony and offers grant funding through the CFMT to local groups.