Hodges sets tree lighting for Nov. 27

The Town of Hodges is holding its annual Christmas Memory Tree Lighting ceremony Nov. 27 in the Town Park. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., and churches will be providing refreshments.

Those wishing to purchase an “angel” to remember a loved one may do so for $5 at Hodges Town Hall or Harold’s Gas Station. Angels will be placed on the tree, and all proceeds go toward upkeep of the park.

“Our community looks forward to the decorations in the park and the dedication of the memory tree for our loved ones,” said Mayor Brian Scott.

First Missionary Baptist members will be singing Christmas songs, and Kathy Wiginton will serve hot chocolate. Wiginton is the one who started the tradition in 2018, setting the tree out in memory of her son, Joseph Wiginton, and expanding the memorial to the community the next year. The event was on pause in 2020 because of COVID-19 precautions, but it resumed this past year.

“After I did it the first year for him, I decided, well, we’ve lost so many in our community, so many good people – we’ll remember them, too,” explained Wiginton.

She said, for her, the meaning of it is all about the coming together as a community to remember lost loved ones.

“Everyone kicks in. My husband and I, Bill Petree and Anthony Lovett do the decorating,” she said. “I hope we have as big of a turnout as we did last year.”

For more information, call Hodges Town Hall at 205-935-3445.