KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The Christmas spirit was alive and well as South Jackson Performing Arts Center kicked off the holiday season with its annual Trees of Christmas event this past week.

The annual Christmas event took place from Dec. 4-8 where the halls of the performing arts center were lined with a forest of uniquely-decorated trees from various local businesses and nonprofit organizations in the area. Attendees and their families had the opportunity to take a stroll through the halls lined with trees while enjoying beautiful Christmas chamber music, hot chocolate, coffees, ciders and baked goods, all included with the price of admission.

This year’s presenting sponsor was Trader’s Bank, and this year’s Elf Sponsor was Fuel So Good, who provided goodies to attendees. An addition to this year’s Trees of Christmas was a station for children to either write their letters to Santa Claus or to drop off their letters.

During the event, attendees will get a chance to vote for their favorite trees in several categories. This year’s winners were Elizabeth Marrazza and Melissa Smith for “People’s Choice”; Alzheimer Tennessee for “Best Theme”; Coffee County Humane Society for “Most Creative”; First Methodist Church for “Best Christmas Spirit”; Girl Scout Troop 2163 for “Best Tree Topper/Finial d’arbre”; and Parkview Senior Living for “DIY Craftsmanship”.

This year’s tree sponsors were: the Tullahoma Utilities Board, Compassus, Woodard’s Diamonds and Design, First Methodist Church, Coffee County Humane Society, F.I.T Beyond Therapy, Girl Scout Troop 2163, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Trader’s Bank, DAR – Tullahoma Chapter, GFWC Centennial Women’s Club, City Sandwich Company, Dr. Cliff Seyler, Noon Time Rotary, Arts Council of Tullahoma, SmartBank Mortgage, Clayton Shoes, Highland Rim Scottish Society, Elizabeth Marrazza & Melissa Smith, Coffee County Democrats, Coffee County Republican Party, Ascend FCU, Access Hope, Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Fellowship of Christian Athletics, Horse Play Inc., Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce, Threaded Needle, Friends of the Library, United Way, Highland Baptist Church, Tipsy Pixie, Parkview Senior Living, PFLAG, Fuel So Good, Caterpillar Academy, South Jackson’s production of “Steel Magnolia” and South Jackson’s production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.

The Christmas cheer didn’t stop with the Trees of Christmas, as South Jackson also held its annual Christkindlmarkt, where attendees were able to purchase authentic Christmas gifts from local vendors while strolling the grounds and viewing the city Christmas Tree, the Trees of Christmas and visiting the 1850s Ganoe-Bussell Cabin to experience Christmas in the 1800s. 

Also happening at South Jackson is the presentation of “Nutcracker Fantasy” from Dec. 13-15. Show times for “Nutcracker Fantasy” are 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Then, SJPAC will screen “It’s a Wonderful Life” Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance which includes popcorn, a drink and a great movie.

For more information, visit www.southjackson.org or call the box office at 931-455-5321.