The Christmas lights have been turned on at the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber headquarters on 12th Street in Cayce.

The free, family-friendly celebration was a way to kick off the holiday season and connect with neighbors while supporting locally in the season of love, unity, and holiday cheer.

The Chamber held its second annual “Love Local” Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Monday, presented by Lexington Medical Center. The Chamber’s office is now dazzling with a display of lights.

The evening featured special guest speaker West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. He encouraged a spirit of thanksgiving and compassion in his address to the large crowd that assembled.

“Thanksgiving is a time of food and family,” Miles said. He also said we’ve endured some hard times, but our community stayed together and prospered. He also said to share, reach out to others, and support them.

Attendees were treated to joyful performances by the talented students of Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy Choir and the Airport High School Choir. The choirs filled the air with holiday classics that set the perfect tone for the festivities. Ms Bearcat; Ms Junior; and Bearcat 1st Runner-Up from Brookland-Cayce High School were on hand for photos with kids.

Also attending were: Sen-Elect Russell Ott, Lexington County Councilmen Todd Cockrell and Cliff Fisher, along with Lexington 2 School School Board Chairman Kevin Key. Cayce City Councilmen Byron Thomas and Hunter Sox were there, too.

Abraham, the Mountain Dew drinking camel, brought by Fisher, was on hand to advertise the play “Jesus is His Name, in South Congaree. Abraham downed a Mountain Dew for the crowd.