<pc>Photo by Steven Halperson/TISARA Photography
<bt>The King Street Metro Enterprise Team’s holiday tree has a long tradition. In it's earliest days, the tree was set up in the vacant lot that is now the site of King Street Gardens Park. While the park was under construction, the tree was installed in a parking lot that now is home to Regent University. The tree lighting celebration has evolved from a simple ceremony with caroling to a community event with entertainment by the chorus and band of Jefferson-Houston Elementary School and attendance by their families as well as neighborhood families. Now Santa leads the countdown to turning on the tree lights.
This year's tree lighting had its biggest crowd ever. And this year, in addition to providing hot chocolate and cookies, The Hilton Old Town allowed the use of its lobby so the children could be indoors and out of the cold for their performances. Said KSMET President Lois Walker, "This event could not have happened without the support of The Hilton, Gayle Reuter, Kathleen Baker and the dedicated teachers and talented students of Jefferson-Houston Elementary School. Thank you all."