With the sound of music and laughter filling the air, it was apparent that Christmas cheer was in abundance Monday night in Roan Mountain.
Continuing an annual tradition spanning over 30 years, residents ushered in the holiday season with the lighting over the Roan Mountain Community Christmas Tree, located on the community park’s premise. The event was presented by the Roan Mountain Citizens Club and the organization’s president, Brian Tipton, said the organization loves putting on the event each year.
“This is a tremendous opportunity,” Tipton said. “It is a great kickoff to the holiday season and it gives us the perfect opportunity to give back to the community.”

The opening of the ceremony saw 4-year-old Lexi Blevins, a cancer survivor, flip the switch to light the tree to start the festivities.
Members of the Cloudland High School Band and Chorus Group, along with the Cloudland Elementary School High Notes and String Band roused the crowd by playing various Christmas tunes throughout the night.
While Christmas cheer flowed, so did a giving nature to go along with the Thanksgiving season.
The Roan Mountain Citizens Club continually stays on the forefront of raising funds to benefit various organizations in the community. After a rousing success from this year’s Rhododendron Festival and other events, Tipton provided checks to two local organizations.

“The Citizens Club, through the festival and other events like that, raises money and that goes right back into the community,” Tipton said, after providing a check to RMSP Manager J.R. Tinch and representatives from the fire department. “Tonight, we went ahead and gave $1,000 to Roan Mountain State Park and $1,000 to the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. The other donations will be coming in the next couple of weeks.”
And a Christmas event wouldn’t be the same with a visit from Santa Claus himself. Near the conclusion of the event, the jolly man himself made a special appearance riding on an engine from the Roan Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.