Across the lake, a new 31-foot sign spells out Seasons Greetings in red lights, its reflection shimmering in the water below.

The lampposts are wrapped in lights, outlining the paved path that winds through Lakeview Park in Bonne Terre. The project, part of a plan by the Community Betterment Committee to increase the spirit of Christmas in the city, served as a background Friday night for the city’s first Christmas Walk. The walk preceded and added to the traditional Christmas tree lighting,

“We want to make it more joyous for the people in Bonne Terre and those who drive through Bonne Terre,” said Mayor Fritz Gower. “Hopefully, we’ll add to this every year.”

Janet Barton, chairman of the Betterment Committee, recalled that years ago, the VFW used to float a lighted tree on a platform in the middle of the lake during the Christmas season.

“We tried it, but it kept sinking,” she said. “They wouldn’t share their secret for keeping it afloat.”

Among the people who gathered at the park for the caroling walk were 9-year-old Libby Slinkard, her sister Paige, 13, and Paige’s friend Ashley Mahurin, 12.

“I love seeing Christmas lights!” Paige said. “I love seeing how people arrange them.”

Ashley said she came to the walk because she was spending the night at the Slinkards. Libby said she wanted to get in the Christmas spirit.

After a few Christmas carols, the group headed down the street to St. Joe Manor. Inside, they sang Christmas songs for two sets of residents. When they sang one verse of Jingle Bells, several residents sang along, clapped, and led the second verse.

With a chorus of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” the group of more than 20 carolers walked several blocks to Bicentennial Park for the traditional tree lighting ceremony.

Shearin Funeral Home and Boyer Funeral Home co-sponsor the ceremony, which is in its fourth year. People place ornaments in memory of their loved ones on the Memory Tree, which is lighted during the ceremony.

James G. Walker was somber as he placed a dove ornament on the tree.

“I lost my wife, Shirley, two years ago after 60 years and five months of marriage,” he said. “I tell everybody, tell your spouse you love them day and night.

“They can be taken from you at any moment.”

Mona Miller lost her husband, Norman, seven years ago on Nov. 27. She put a cardinal ornament on the tree in his memory.

“He always said a cardinal was his guardian angel,” she said. “He was a truck driver. If he saw a cardinal in the morning, he knew his guardian angel was watching over him.”

Linda Shearin, who started the tree lighting tradition, was excited about this year’s additional tree.

“We’re really excited about having our Cancer Tree,” she said. “It is in honor of survivors of cancer, those who are fighting cancer, and those who have lost their fight.”

Participants hung pink ribbons on the tree, with the name of the person they were honoring written on the ribbon.

The ceremony included a prayer led by Fr. John Schneider of St. Joseph Catholic Church and “Silent Night,” performed by singers from the St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Residents held candles and sang Christmas carols led by Pastor Ron Poole from First Baptist Church.

After hot cocoa and hot coffee, some of the crowd moved to the gazebo across from City Hall where, with a loud “Ho! Ho! Ho!” Santa arrived to chat with children. Those who sat in his lap gave him hefty orders.

Nick Tyler, 6, only asked for three things – LEGO Shark Attack base, an X Box and a PlayStation 3. Baylee Lasley, 10, took a little longer.

“I asked Santa for an iPod, a laptop, a cell phone, porcelain dolls, and new Barbies,” she confided.

The Christmas tradition continues in the city on Monday. From 4-7 p.m., a chili and soup dinner will be available at Centenary United Methodist Church’s new Cornerstone building. The Bonne Terre Community Chautauqua Singers will perform a medley of Christmas carols at 6 p.m., then will sing again in the Commerce Bank parking lot just before the annual Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade begins at 7 p.m. The parade starts at De Soto and Division streets and travels down Main Street to the post office.

Paula Barr is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 172 or at pbarr@dailyjournalonline.com.

 

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