Alabaster marks the start of Christmas season in style

Alabaster, Alabama, kicked-off Christmas with its inaugural Festival of Trees and annual Christmas Parade.

A tree lighting ceremony on December 2nd began a weekend of winter cheer, with the Carmeuse Longview Operation being one of 75 businesses and organizations to sponsor a tree. The local water tower was also festively illuminated. 

Entry of a tree to the festival cost $250 with proceeds being used by the city to sponsor Christmas for 15 families in the community. The trees are on display until January 2nd. 

“Huge thanks to Sarah Seevers for making the swan tree topper and coordinating our tree’s theme, ably supported by members of the FiSH team, who assisted with planning and decorating the tree,” said Longview’s Sybil Owens. 

“Kudos also to our community partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby County for winning the best tree in the non-profit category!” added Owens. 

The weekend continued on December 3rd with the Alabaster Christmas Parade. One of the largest in Alabama, the parade drew over 140 participants with Carmeuse Longview again taking part. 

“Big THANKS to Tonya Tolbert for helping to coordinate the event, and to Sarah Seevers, members of the Longview Mine Rescue Team, Dawn Haden, and Todd Sheffer for helping to decorate the trailer, and to Steve Hall for donating his truck and vacation time to haul the truck,” said Owens. 

Carmeuse Longview’s Cory McCready and family, Sarah Seevers and kids, Dawn Haden, Tony Marshall, and Tonya Tolbert walked the parade, braving heaving downpours throughout the day.