CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s officially the holiday season in the Mountain State.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin and their children helped kick off the annual Joyful Night celebration Tuesday night on the steps of the state Capitol for the final time.
“Joanne and I look forward to this special evening every year — an event filled with friends and fun to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with our family and with yours,” Tomblin told the crowd before lighting the state Capitol Christmas tree.
Sounds from West Virginia school marching bands and choirs could be heard throughout the ceremony.
Tim James, band director at Cabell Midland High School, said they were honored to perform several Christmas songs.
“We get to come at the end of the year and show a little bit of talent. The kids get to dress up in their Christmas outfits. They love it,” James said.
It was the third year in a row Leah Long came out to watch her daughter Shyann perform with the Hurricane Middle School marching band.
“It’s pretty special because they’re a middle school and most middle schools don’t get invited,” Long said. “It’s really exciting to see them with the big guys up there with the high schoolers.”
Marching bands from Hurricane High School, Poca Middle School, Poca High School and Spring Valley High School also participated in Tuesday night’s event.
Choirs including the Appalachian Children’s Chorus, the Christ Church United Methodist Chancel Ringers and the Martin Luther King Jr. Male Chorus gave performances as well.
“It’s a lot of fun for kids to see all the bands, all the commotion, the governor and the tree lit up,” said Mariel Van Dalsum, director of the Appalachian Childrens Chorus. “We’re just doing something that brings unity which is awesome.”
West Virginia’s military service men and women and the state’s first responders were honored during a reception following the tree lighting ceremony.
The event also included a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, the First Lady’s Ornament Contest and a toy drive for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign.