The 31st annual Elizabethton Fraser Fir tree lighting took place Nov. 19. The tradition kicks off the holiday season for the town.
The historic tree stands at a whopping 78 feet tall and is the second tallest Fraser Fir in the nation. According to Chamber of Commerce Director, Tonya Stevens, the tree was remeasured a few months ago in hopes it had become the tallest tree, but it had not. The tree may be second in height, but it is the tallest decorated Fraser Fir in the world!
The tree was brought down from the top of Roan Mountain by Major Henderson Folsom in 1861. The tree was planted in front of his house along with a second Fraser Fir. The second tree failed to grow, but the first one did not stop, and it became distinctive to the town of Elizabethton.
In 1988, the tree developed a fungus, and the town feared the tree would die. To celebrate its life, the community decorated the tree with lights and declared it the “Community Christmas Tree.”
The fungus was treated, and the tree survived, but the community decided to keep the celebration of lighting the tree as a tradition.
This year’s tree lighting featured festive events. To get things started, Sycamore Shoals State Park supplied Christmas caroling and the Friends of Sycamore Shoals served hot apple cider.
Following the caroling and cider, David LeVeau, the Elizabethton Carter County Chamber of Commerce President, welcomed everyone and talked about the history of the Fraser Fir. He also thanked the Chamber of Commerce for putting the event together.
Next, the Elizabethton High School Chorus sang Christmas songs, and candles were handed out for a candle lighting.
Finally, the switch was pulled by the “honorary lighters,” members of the Downtown Business Association. The EHS Women’s Ensemble sang “Tennessee Christmas” under the lit tree, and the crowd sang along with them.
The event ended with a musket salute by the Washington County Regiment of the Northern Carolina Militia.
Stevens said, “This event really puts the town in the Christmas spirit, and we appreciate everyone who participates and comes out to enjoy it.”
Headline photo: The Elizabethton Christmas tree was lit Nov. 19 to signal the start of the Christmas season.