FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Families and community members set the holiday season in full swing by gathering at Howze Field to light the Fort Rucker Christmas tree Friday.
The ceremony, hosted by Maj. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, was full of events that welcomed holiday cheer on post.
"This year's tree lighting ceremony was one of the best attended in Fort Rucker's history, with more than 1,500 people gathering to usher in the holiday season," said Kimberly Abeln, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation annual events coordinator.
Guests enjoyed hot cocoa and musical performances at the event, including sing-along Christmas carols with the child youth and school services and child development center choir, several local scouting groups and the combined chapel choir. The 98th Army "Silver Wings" Band also played a selection of holiday classics throughout the event.
After the songs, Crutchfield spoke about the tree lighting and presented awards to the winners of the annual Fort Rucker Christmas ornament contest. Age group winners in the contest were Kaise Burrill, Rianna Benders, Joshua Brady and the overall winner was Alex Reynoldson. Each child was given a gift basket and congratulations by Crutchfield and the crowd.
"I don't think there's a prettier tree in the world. We have some special ornaments on this tree. Each year, Fort Rucker asks talented children to create unique decorations for our tree. As you can see, they put a lot of effort into it. The finished product is absolutely beautiful," said Crutchfield.
The ornament contest is a unique way to give children a chance to participate in the event, said Kelly Reynoldson, whose son won the contest and helped light the tree with the commanding general.
"It was a lot of fun. We looked for things that would be easy for him to use. He was very excited. When he won, he was so thankful. I was very excited that he did so well," she said.
Alex was excited to win the contest and light the tree -- his mother said that his reaction was thanking the commanding general for letting him help. Alex and his Family plan on hanging the ornament in a very special place at home when the holiday season ends.
Col. James A. Muskopf, Fort Rucker garrison commander, concluded the event by singing carols to welcome Santa Claus and his elves, who brought candy canes and gifts for children at the event.
"I think it's great for the community to be able to come together and celebrate the holidays. There are so many people from the area involved, like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. It's just really nice," said Johanna Spencer, who brought her son, Jack, to meet Santa Claus.
"I think everyone had a great time at this event and are looking forward to attending next year's ceremony," said Abeln.
For more information on upcoming DFMWR events, call 255-2292.
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