Blountville hosts dual tree lighting for Christmas

BLOUNTVILLE — Historic Blountville lit two trees and more as part of its annual tree lighting event this year. On the lawn of the Historic Sullivan County Courthouse, residents gathered Thursday to hear from a number of speakers, drink hot chocolate and light not just one, but two trees for Christmas. The first tree was lit in purple lights in honor of domestic violence victims and other community members who have died of violence. As part of the ceremony, residents shared names of loved ones who were lost to violence. Brittany Fleenor delivered the ceremony's keynote speech. Fleenor is the director of the Branch House Family Justice Center, a Blountville community center that coordinates free services and resources for survivors of abuse. "With the lighting of these two very special trees, I hope that we let it symbolize more than just decoration and tradition," Fleenor said before the tree lighting. "Let it remind us that light always finds a way through, that joy can be found even after sorrow, and that hope is still alive and it's very strong here in Sullivan County." A second tree was lit along with other decor across the courthouse lawn, replacing a landmark 50-foot tree that was implemented in 2005. Elizabeth Johnson, the 2024 Youth Fundraiser of the Year for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, flipped the switch for the rest of the town's lights. Johnson was recognized for her efforts to help the community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Men's Appalachian Express Chorus performed a medley of holiday tunes for the crowd. Rev. Clay Austin led a prayer and delivered a Christmas message. "We gather with people tonight who have had difficulty in their life, and loss in their life, and stress and distress in their life," Austin said. "We gather as brothers and sisters with them, we gather as people who live in a country of hope, and we place our faith in hope, and give thanks, God, that even when we are tested and when we are tried and when it is difficult, there's a hope that comes, that sustains, that guides and gives us life, and lets us come to another day and again, say, 'Thank you, God, for the hope you have given us.'" Christmas celebrations will continue on Saturday with the Blountville Ruritan Christmas Parade starting at 2 p.m. The parade will begin on Highway 126 at Keystone Drive and wind through town before ending at the courthouse in the Historic District. "I hope this season brings peace to our homes, laughter and love to our families, and moments of pure Christmas magic," Fleenor said. "May the hope of Christmas settle into our hearts and follow us into the year ahead."