Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
When Mayor Brett Williams hinted that a reindeer might make an appearance at the Williston Tree Lighting on the evening of December 10, 2022, he left residents wondering how such an occurrence would take place.
However, Williston native Scott Anderson dressed as a realistic reindeer was amongst the crowd greeting children and adults alongside Angie Overton, who was dressed as Mrs. Claus.
Families and friends gathered in front of Meeting on Main to partake in the festivities as they served hot chocolate and cookies provided by the restaurant and the Williston Presbyterian Church.
Reverend Jeremiah Land of Press Church read the Christmas story and first graders from Kelly Edwards Elementary School sang songs of Christmas. Joseph and Ciera Sanders performed as well as Madelaine Land and Dalton Mundy who all sang renditions of Christmas classics.
Councilman Kurt Odermatt read the past Citizens of the Year in the Town of Williston starting in 1968 to lead up to announcing the 2022 Citizen of the Year.
2021 Citizen of the Year Davion Bellinger was asked to the stage to help locate the new title holder. Bellinger went into the crowd to begin his search, and emerged with Pastor Dr. Steve Burnette of the First Baptist Church in Williston.
Dr. Burnette was named the 2022 Citizen of the Year for his continued work in both the church and the community. He was presented a plaque by Mayor Williams, and thanked the community and his wife, Annette, for their faith and support.
After Dr. Burnette was thoroughly applauded, the countdown began to illuminate the tree standing in the center of downtown.
The tree was decorated with large red bows and lights that lit up Main Street.
Following the ceremony were pictures with Santa. Children and their families eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival at Press Church to tell him their holiday wishes.
The festivities were followed with the town’s parade the next day.
