Dear Editor: Rockdale County, along with the City of Conyers, recently kicked off the holidays with a Hollywood theme, "Lights, Camera, Action, Christmas," during the annual 2013 Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration on Dec. 7.

Event organizers with the County credit the wonderful support of several area businesses for the success of the Tree Lighting program it hosts every year. The County would especially like to thank the following:

•    Premier Platforms, Inc.
•    Lowe’s, Home Depot
•    Live Event Solutions
•    Kroger
•    Publix
•    The Punchline Comedy Club
•    Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Also, the County would like to publicly applaud its departments that were especially helpful in assisting the Community Affairs & Innovative Program department in preparing for, setting up and taking down the event – the Transportation Department, Fire-Rescue, Maintenance Division, Stormwater Division, and Sheriff’s Office.

More than 700 people watched performers from local groups and elementary and middle schools sing and dance in the County’s Auditorium. Santa and Mrs. Claus also made a surprise appearance with County Commissioner JaNice Van Ness and U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson to light the beautifully-decorated tree and then children in the audience were called to the stage to sing Jingle Bells led by local student Brooklinn Lovingood.

This was the first year the Tree Lighting program was held in the auditorium instead of outside the County Courthouse as a precautionary measure because rain showers had been predicted.

Tonya Parker
Director of Community Affairs and Innovative Programs, Rockdale County