The Opelika Public Library held the Merry Stroll Tree Lighting event on Nov. 27, signifying the kickoff of holiday festivities the city of Opelika planned for the rest of the year. Families gathered and conversed, children played while being wowed by the decor and Christmas music filled the air as everyone patiently waited for the lighting ceremony.
Many guests arrived well before the lighting ceremony, with most arriving up to half an hour before it began at six. In the meantime, guests took advantage of the event's offerings, such as light-up decorations for family picture opportunities and free hot cocoa.
The previously dark path was lit up by sparkling trees, the next always vastly different than the last. The guests hurried to stroll through, admiring all the trees and their respective organizations.
Each tree had its unique style, with plaques placed in the front explaining what organization each design originated from. The city of Opelika was the first tree on the path, with film reel decorations wrapped around to display pictures that highlighted the town’s events throughout the year. Keep Opelika Beautiful’s tree was covered in snowman ornaments crafted by Carver Primary School second-grade students. The Harvis for Mayor Campaign also decorated their own tree, covered with campaign signs in hopes that Santa will bring them a victory in this upcoming August 2025 election.
The East Alabama Primary Care tree was decorated with lab coat ornaments and many more medical motifs. PEACE Center, Jumping Jellybean, and Leaping Literacy collaborated on an education-themed tree-lined with book ornaments. MAK Media took a very creative route by having their tree wrapped in snow-like fabric with penguins sledding down all around.
The Alabama Healthy Marriage & Relationship Education Initiative took a more unique approach than most, decorating their respective tree with relationship education class coupons as ornaments. The Kiwanis Club of Opelika, Unity Wellness Center, Opelika High School National English Honor Society, SouthState Bank, and Southern States Bank utilized more traditional, yet still dazzling designs.
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