Despite a rainy forecast for Thursday night, the city of Jemison held its annual tree lighting event at 5 p.m. with a Christmas concert by the Jemison High School Symphonic Band.

“We decided to go ahead and have everything because the majority of our event is held indoors,” Jemison librarian Tammie McGriff said.

Members of the Jemison First Baptist Church youth group dressed up for an outdoor nativity scene with Jemison Girl Scout Troop 340 helping with the Christmas decorations inside the auditorium at the city Municipal Complex.

Jemison Cub Scout Pack 74 handed out peppermints to each guest attending Thursday’s event.

The Rev. George Brown provided the evening’s invocation, and Jemison Boy Scout Troop 773 participated in a flag ceremony.

Long-time Jemison resident Tracy Cobb dressed up as “grandpa” and read “The Night Before Christmas” to children.

Sarrell Dental sponsored free pictures with Santa Claus from 5-7 p.m. inside the Municipal Complex, and the Jemison Police Department Auxiliary provided refreshments for donations.

The JHS Symphonic Band performed a Christmas Concerto as JHS Band Director George Martin directed his final Christmas concert with plans to retire next year.

Due to rain, the city of Clanton’s tree lighting ceremony has been postponed until Dec. 12 at Corner Park in downtown Clanton.

The event will feature Sally Pitts of WSFA 12 in Montgomery who will emcee the event.

Entertainers will include: Festival Ballet Arts directed by Anna Curtis, CMS Dance Team, Chilton Dance and Twirl directed by Brittany Thomas, Chilton County Peach Queens, Kelsey Pierce, Attitudes Dance from Cornerstone Fitness directed by Tisha Woodham, Swedish Fest Queens, Adreane and Maddy Barrington, First Baptist Church Weekday Education (4-year-olds) directed by Melinda White, Teresa Richards and Michelle Jeremiah, Miss YMCA Queens, Just Twirl It Baton and Dance directed by Stacey Easterling, Grayson Russell, Alabama Baton and Dance directed by Karen Mitchell and Crystal Sabat, CCHS Christmas Spectacular directed by Blake Hudson and Miss Chilton County Queens.

Limited seating will be available, but guests are encouraged to bring chairs.