There was a chill in the air for the its 14th Annual West Columbia Tree Lighting ceremony Friday night.

“It’s December, so we can expect it to be a little cold,” said West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton.
But the chill in the air at City Hall didn’t stop the the recognition of the winners of the “What Christmas Means To Me” contest.

Elementary school students read their essays, and the winning student artwork entry was featured on the cover of the event program. The top three art entries are being displayed on the Art on State wall on the corner of State and Meeting Streets.

Rev. Kenneth Taylor of Turner Memorial AME Church presented a Christmas message before.

West Columbia’s Joe Pinner served as master of ceremonies. Students from East Point Academy Elementary School Chorus, East Point Academy Middle School Chorus, Riverbank Elementary Chorus, and Grace Christian School String Ensemble sang and played music.

A reception inside City Hall, with food and drinks donated by local businesses followed.