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Hamilton a city in lights

Choir treats revelers to Christmas medley; festivities continue today with parade

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer 12:57 AM Saturday, November 21, 2009

HAMILTON — Despite the relatively warm November night Friday, Nov. 20, it began to look a lot like Christmas when Hamilton held its tree-lighting ceremony.

Presiding over his final Christmas kickoff, outgoing Mayor Don Ryan noted how the event had grown in the past eight years. He said the crowd had 200 people back then, and estimated that number had swelled to well over 1,000 Friday.

“It’s a little sad, actually,” Ryan said of Friday being his last Christmas as mayor. “Just knowing how the people come out and support this; these are the kinds of events I will miss. It shows a love for the city, which I think is awesome.”

A number of musical groups performed Christmas songs, including the Hamilton Elementary Honor Chorus, which led the crowd through a medley called “The Rockin’ Christmas Celebration,” which included the Bruce Springsteen arrangement of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” the Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick” and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Finally, at around 6 p.m., the mayor lit the tree donated by Chuck and Barb Gaynor of Hamilton.

The festivities spilled over to the Main Street Music Fest, where various music groups performed inside the businesses.

“I think it’s a nice way for the city’s people to come up and see everything. Maybe we can get something going economy-wise,” said Joey Murphy of Hamilton.

June Steeed of Hamilton said she liked “everything” about the tree-lighting ceremony, “especially the people. The people have turned out.”

Christmas festivities continue today with the Holiday Kids Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at the Fitton Center on Monument Avenue and ends at the Santa house on South Second Street in front of the historic courthouse.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

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rocket - thank you for your service. I appreciate it. I know that our military are on duty 24/7/365. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a blessed CHRISTMAS!

HHS grad
5:52 PM, 11/22/2009

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HHS Grad...not everyone in govt gladly takes off on Christmas..your armed forces will still be conducting the nation's business on Christmas. I know I spent many deployed or on duty in my three decades of service.
Hope your holidays are happy!

rocket J
5:28 PM, 11/22/2009

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I don't ever recall saying you didn't do well, I just said you are a miserable human being. You live to try and control or ridicule your fellow man. You are no different that a Fanatical Cleric who blows up a neighbor because they wont believe like you do. You are the reason we left England to begin with, and that's a fact!

Hank
4:01 PM, 11/22/2009

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Michael, my 4 years at UC, liberals blew my mind daily. You were the first to protest for the rights of Tibet, but also the first to take away the rights of another American citizen. What are you so insecure about? Seriously, I get up in the morning and I like life. You, hate yourself and what you stand for. Give it up man and life will be better. I know a man didn't do the "water-wine" thing, but I still drink a glass and shake the hand of my neighbor. Work xmas and be miserable please!

Hank
3:57 PM, 11/22/2009

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Michael, you cant believe your own words do you? I wont waste my time or yours by googlin' for evidence of Christ. I myself am an agnostic and conservative(blows your mind huh?) difference between me and you(commi), I might add is I'm "OK" with people having their own beliefs.If people want to get together and celebrate "something", I could care less. You on the other hand want to control everyone else beliefs and religions. But you will be the first to say you fight for rights of others

Hank
3:50 PM, 11/22/2009

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