Small Town Christmas Traditions

Christmas festivities were kicked off in Fair Grove on December 4th with several of the town’s classic Christmas traditions.

Black Friday deals in effect and Mariah Carey blaring over the radio, its apparent that the Christmas season is finally here. In Fair Grove, there are several traditions that the town celebrates every year to give a glorious start to the holiday season. The usual start of the festivities within Fair Grove is breakfast with Santa.

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, especially when Ole Saint Nick is involved. This memorable tradition has been held at Hilltop Pizza & Grill for years. Families flock from around the area to share the morning with the famed North Pole resident. Chris Stallings, Fair Grove’s High School’s principal, spoke about how he enjoyed breakfast with Santa with his youngest daughter. He stated that he also enjoyed supporting and attending several of the town’s other festivities.

Fair Grove offered several other activities along with breakfast with Santa. Santa’s workshop, holiday shopping along Main Street, the Christmas parade, and the tree lighting following the parade directly are among them. The parade included a plethora of floats and groups from all over the community. The Christmas Parade was led by the Fair Grove Marching Eagles as they perform their Christmas classic, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Stallings stated, “I love everything about the Christmas season so it means a lot to be a part of a community that comes together for these events. While it’s not the biggest parade nor the biggest tree,  it is our parade and our tree lighting so I take a lot of pleasure getting to enjoy it with friends, family, students and community members.”

Another tradition that has deep roots within the community is the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Wommack Mill. The Wommack Mill has been an iconic part of the small town’s charm since 1883. Being such an integral part of Fair Grove’s history, ceremonies to recognize its beauty is a common occurrence.

The High School Choir has their own tradition of performing Christmas carols at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Choir director Audra Harmon detailed, “I am excited to perform again for the tree lighting. After missing it the past couple of years, it will be nice to have the tradition continue.” All of the traditions led to a successful kick off for Fair Grove’s small town Christmas.