The Berry family attended their first Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony at Vidant Beaufort Hospital Thursday night.
They moved to Bath a week ago and learned of the annual event when 6-year-old Wyatt won an award for his drawing.
“I think he drew his favorite fire truck. We’re proud of him and excited that he was recognized in his first week at Bath Elementary,” said Wyatt’s mom, Dana. “We didn’t know there was an artist in the family.”
Madison Page Blackburn brought a cheering section that included mom, friends and both of her grandmothers. Blackburn received an award for her drawing of a reindeer.
All of the award-winning art is on display in the halls of Vidant Beaufort Hospital.
The awards ceremony was one of a handful of happenings at Lights of Love.
The annual event included a photo session with Santa, Christmas carols sung by the John Cotten Tayloe Chorus and food provided by The Meeting Place.
“I love doing it, especially at Christmas time with all of the kids. It probably makes me as happy … as the kids,” said Anne Martin, owner of The Meeting Place.
The John Cotton Tayloe Chorus did classics like “Jingle Bells” and not-so-classics like “Rhythm of the Season.”
Lillianna Mayo moved to the front of the crowd of proud parents and siblings to snap a shot of her brother, William Mayo. A true professional, William waited until after the carol ended to smile and pose for his sister.
Mary Ellen Foreman works at Vidant. She brought sons Gabe and Andrew to meet Santa and see the tree lighting.
Two-year-old Andrew passed on meeting the stranger in the red suit. But, 4-year-old Gabe smiled for his photo then told Santa what he wanted.
“It’s nice. It’s really nice,” Foreman said. “The kids like it and it’s nice to see everybody get together.”