Bellville holds Christmas celebration in Yule lighting at bandstand

BELLIVILLE - The city of Bellville kicked off the holiday season with their annual Yule Log and Tree Lighting Celebration at the Bellville Bandstand on Thursday evening.

A crowd of people gathered to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree at the bandstand and the yule log was burnt, which is a winter tradition in Europe and in the United Kingdom.

"The Cub Scouts 126 are in charge of the Yule Log lighting and they'll keep the Yule Log through the whole year and make sure the next one is lit next to the existing one," said Bellville Mayor Terry Brenkus.

Featured in the annual tradition was a reading from Mrs. Claus as she read to a group of kids and an appearance from Santa Claus excited many of them. The Clear Fork Artisans, the show choir from Clear Fork High School, performed a couple of Christmas carols throughout the celebration.

The local Cub Scouts 126 were introduced to the public and took some photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus near the end. Hot cocoa and cookies were served as well.

Brenkus said that the celebration is put on by the Clear Fork Valley Chamber and they sponsor the event. Donations are also made from different businesses.

"We always do it on a Thursday," said Brenkus. "It's a cool tradition done year after year."

jsimpson@gannett.com

478-955-7752

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Bellville hold Christmas celebration in Yule lighting at bandstand