Christmas in Cook kicks off with Tree Lighting

Bowen Shiflett lights the Rooftop Christmas Tree on Quick Consulting in downtown Adel.
Small Business Saturday and the Fifth Annual Rooftop Tree Lighting launched a week of Christmas in Cook special events on Nov. 26, 2022.
A crowd packed the Depot parking lot in downtown Adel for the lighting of the rooftop Christmas Tree on Quick Consulting.
Scheduled performers included Lovers Lane Band, Selina Long, Sara Kilpatrick and Seth Tucker, and Sherry O & The Boys. Songs ranged from rock ’n roll to traditional Christmas carols.
The tree lighting for the Rooftop Christmas Tree was done at 6 p.m. by Bowen Shiflett. He and his cousin Aidyn have been lighting the tree every year.
South Georgia Dance Company performed a few dance numbers, followed by a reading of the Christmas Story by Jennifer Kilpatrick.
The event continued with free horse and carriage rides being offered on North Burwell Avenue. The Depot visitors could roast chestnuts over an open fire, an activity sponsored by Reed Bingham State Park Manager Bud Fuller and staff. The event also offered S’mores, hot chocolate and goodies, letters to Santa, and crafts for the kids. Photo ops for old and young alike were available with Santa and Mrs. Claus on the big red sleigh.
Quick Consulting & Business Services, TSR Boutique, and String Theory Music Store sponsored the Tree Lighting Celebration. All the activities were free. “We do this to bring the community together and make memories,” according to the organizers.
“I always like to remind everyone how our Community Tree came into being,” said Sharon Harnage, event coordinator. “It was a joint partnership. The County, City of Adel, Tourism Authority, Adel-Cook County Chamber of Commerce, and Development Authority partnered to purchase our beautiful community Christmas Tree.
“The City goes above and beyond to help with any needs to assure we have a great place to live, play, and work. This year, the City employees revamped and repainted the Santa Sleigh. They’ve done a great job! And, they designed the new light features in The Depot parking lot.”
Mrs. Harnage thanked everyone who planned, volunteered to help with, and participated in the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.
Upcoming holiday events
- Thursday, Dec. 1, 6.p.m. “COOK”ing Up A Candyland Christmas, the community Christmas Parade will proceed on downtown Adel Streets.
- Friday, Dec. 2, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., “Mingle & Jingle” Ladies Night Out Shopping Event will be held in downtown Adel. Big El from Hot 102.7 will be playing all your favorite hits from 5 to 7. Special Mingle & Jingle Deals will be available from participating stores.
- Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Snow Day at the Depot. The City has been building the Snow Slide.
- Saturday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m., Reed Bingham State Park will host Movie Night with a showing of “The Grinch” at the Beach Pavilion. Movie in the Park will feature fire pits, snacks, and hot chocolate. Parking will be $5. Call the park for any questions, (229) 896-3551.
The Chamber and Adel Main Street are excited to announce that they have reached their vendor limit on Saturday’s Holiday Pop-Up Market for The Depot. The vendors will offer homemade arts and crafts, bakery goods, and holiday-themed gifts.