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The Bell Tones children's choir returns to perform at the "Spirit of Giving" tree-lighting ceremony.

The Center for Rural Development is ushering in the holiday season on Monday, Nov. 26, with a special night of entertainment, music, and festivities that will culminate with a community tree-lighting ceremony in its front lobby.

The Center, in partnership with Somerset’s Walmart Supercenter, will host this year’s annual “Spirit of Giving” tree-lighting ceremony from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., during which time the lights on an 18-foot decorated artificial pine tree will be turned on for the first time this holiday season.

The event will be followed by a Children’s Prime Time Theatre holiday performance of “Babes in Toyland,” presented by Lake Cumberland Performing Arts and The Center, at 7 p.m. in the theatre.

The Bell Tones children’s choir from Bell Elementary School in Wayne County will perform a selection of holiday music at the “Spirit of Giving” tree-lighting ceremony. The choir, under the direction of Anita Carolyn Peters and Tammy Sumpter, is comprised of around 40 student musicians.

“You will not want to miss a performance by this talented group of young musicians. The Bell Tones, one of our favorite returning musical groups, will help us celebrate the spirit of the season with a holiday musical performance.”
Dianna Winstead, associate director of arts, culture, and events

The cast of “Babes in Toyland” will make a special guest appearance at the “Spirit of Giving” tree-lighting ceremony and join Lonnie Lawson, The Center’s president and CEO, at the podium for the “official” countdown to activate the lights on the tree.

Other activities will include door prize giveaways and ticket drawings for future Center Stage and Children’s Prime Time Theatre performances, plus a surprise visit from Santa Claus.

Cookies and refreshments will be served compliments of Walmart.

The “Spirit of Giving” tree-lighting ceremony is a free community event. For more information, contact The Center at 606-677-6000 or stop by at 2292 South U.S. 27 (at Traffic Light 15) in Somerset.