The annual Jemison Christmas tree lighting had the largest crowd in event history with about 500 people showing up Tuesday night for the festive fun.

“We decided to move the date to the week of Thanksgiving as opposed to having it the same week as the Christmas parade,” Jemison librarian Tammie McGriff said. “We thought having the two more spread out would be better, and we had the most people we have ever seen show up.”

Jemison City Hall was abuzz with activity as the event kicked off outdoors with Christmas carols performed by the Jemison High School Ensemble, a live nativity with youth from Jemison First Baptist Church, and a countdown for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree which stands several feet tall adjacent to city hall.

After the tree was lit, activities continued inside the auditorium at the city Municipal Complex with a performance by the Jemison High School cheerleaders, a prayer by Bro. Rex Kent with Jemison First Baptist, a flag ceremony by Cub Scout Pack No. 74 and Boy Scout Troop 747, a violin performance by Hannah Ellison and a drama performance by the Jemison High School Theatre Department under the leadership of Cherie Hickey.

Radio personality “Dollar” Bill Lawson was the emcee Tuesday night and recognized the 2014 Chilton County Peach Queens, the 2014 Miss Swedish Queens and the 2014 Miss Chilton County Queens.

“Grandma” and “Grandpa” invited all of the children on stage and read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Sarrell Dental and Eye Center sponsored free pictures with Santa, and the event also recognized the first “Mr. and Ms. Jemison.”

“We thought it would be a neat idea to recognize two people in the Jemison community who have really helped in so many ways,” McGriff said.

LaMerle Hamm, owner of Piggly Wiggly in Jemison, was recognized as “Ms. Jemison,” and Danny Hayes, owner of Hayes Drugs, was recognized as “Mr. Jemison.”

The two were called up on stage and given white sashes, which will be displayed in their stores for the upcoming year.

McGriff said the two will also participate in the Jemison Christmas parade on Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.

“It was easy picking these two because they are always so willing to help the community in any way they can,” said McGriff, who was a part of the group that selected the honorees. “They are both very humble individuals, but there are ways they help quietly that really make a difference in this community.”

Hayes said on Wednesday he was surprised to learn he had been selected.

“Without the community, Mrs. Hamm and I wouldn’t be anything,” Hayes said.

McGriff said they hope to make “Mr. and Ms. Jemison” an annual honor with a different pair selected each year by a committee.

“It will be very hard to top the two that we have right now,” McGriff said. “We plan to take nominations for next year, but it isn’t difficult to find good people in this city.”

Tuesday’s festivities concluded with a “Winter Holiday” performance by the Jemison High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Dakota Bromley, JHS band director.