MURFREESBORO, N.C. — An old tradition was revived while a new one took shape.

On Friday evening, a crowd gathered at the Roberts-Vaughan Village Center for the inaugural tree lighting ceremony. The event, sponsored by the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce, also featured music by the Murfreesboro Baptist Church Hand Bell Choir and refreshments were served.

“The idea is to bring the community together and kick off the Christmas season,” said Danny Blowe, who chaired the tree lighting event.

Blowe and President of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Dell Aycock, had the honor of “switching” on the lights for the tree lighting ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Division of the Chamber revived an old tradition of the Santa House, where children can buy presents for their family and friends.

According to Sherry Sullens, executive director for the Chamber, the Santa Shop was something that was held in the past, but was resurrected this year.

The Santa Shop, a small building loaned by Carolina Outdoor Builders, Inc., allows children to shop at a low price ($2) and have their items gift wrapped.

“No adults are allowed into the Santa Shop, that way the children can take their presents home and place them under the tree,” Sullens said.

Sullens noted that each of the ornaments on the tree that took center stage during the lighting ceremony was created by children at Riverview Elementary School.

The jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, was in attendance to visit with the children on the porch of the Roberts-Vaughan House.

Local photographer, Carol Lang, snapped each child’s photo with Santa and those photos will be available online.