On Thursday, Nov. 21, numerous residents withstood the brisk wind and low temperatures to celebrate the return of the beloved holiday tradition now known as the Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail at Big Spring Memorial Park.

Formerly known as the North Pole Stroll, the revamped and renamed Tinsel Trail held its annual tree lighting ceremony — drawing a substantially large crowd of community members and local officials to visit the nearly 100 Christmas trees surrounding the duck pond off Beaty Street.

“This special event has grown so much since 2015 and it is so exciting to see,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks told The News Courier. “It’s a great annual event that has captured the hearts of our residents. These events, like the Tinsel Trail and Christmas Open Houses, are evidence of the quality of life we’ve been able to create here, so it’s truly just another great weekend in Athens.”

Like past years, each tree was decorated by local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community members honoring past loved ones from around the area. Outside of the tree lighting magic, the event also featured live entertainment that echoed throughout the park — ringing in the holiday season.

The ceremony also included a hot chocolate station and a food truck from Happi Pappi Beignets which provided the necessary nutrients to warm up the visitors. Little ones were also able to escape the cold weather in the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center — attending a special Storytime with Santa where they were able to drop off their letters to Santa.

Presented by the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, the Tinsel Trail was a collaborative effort between the Tourism Association, Athens Parks and Recreation, Athens Utilities and the Athens Public Works Maintenance Department.

“We thought to change the name because this year we created an actual trail for people to take full advantage of and enjoy for the next several weeks,” Pammie Jimmar, president and CEO of the Chamber, said. “It’s really amazing to see how everyone embraces this event, by taking the time to decorate the trees, every single year.”

Once the trees came to life on Thursday, The Athens-Limestone Tinsel Trail will remain open and be on full display for people to visit for free until Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Jimmar also noted another way in which this event will be different than past years … the 94 Christmas Trees apart of the Tinsel Trail will be secretly judged throughout the coming week.

“The beautification of the park was a key role in us preparing for this holiday season,” Jimmar said. “Our committee has worked hard to create a place where after Thanksgiving dinner or on Christmas Eve people feel good about bringing their family to see all the lights and natural beauty of our great area.”