AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

Christmas officially arrived in Lexington Sunday when Santa paid his yearly visit, capping off the Lexington Christmas parade.

With sunshine and ideal temperatures, numerous young dancers dressed in holiday costumes adorned many floats.

Hundreds had gathered early along the parade route to catch the holiday spirit and ho ho ho’s from Santa.

Among the dignitaries were Congressman Joe Wilson and wife Roxanne, Mayor Steve MacDougall, town council members Kathy Manus, Todd and Kim Lyle, Steve Baker, Ron and Catherine Williams, Todd and Kerri Carnes, Hazel Livingston, Sheriff Jay Koon and wife Kim, and Police Chief Terrance Green.

Our Lexington County Museum held its annual Christmas Open House Saturday. Many toured the historic structures and enjoyed gingerbread, cookies and hot spiced cider in the Hazalius House, which was decorated with fresh greenery and berries. Guests were greeted by John and Mandy Derrick and Stand Rikard, dressed in period attire.

Serving refreshments were Bobbi Sox and Edie Harmon. Assisting with museum items for purchase were Maria Shull and Gay Clark.

Giving a warm welcome at the historic Fox House was Mike Spears. Constance Flemming offered seasonal music on the keyboard.

Overseeing the entire event were museum Director J.R. Fennell and Friends of the Museum President Dan Koon.

American Legion Post 7 Commander David Griffith and wife Linda hosted a Christmas drop-in at the Legion Hut for members and guests. Donations were accepted for veteran gift cards to be presented to those needing a holiday remembrance. Last year 21 $100 gift cards were given.

The Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce invited members to a Jingle & Mingle holiday gathering Dec. 3 at the chamber office. Delicious good was provided by Mama Rabbit.

Among the many attending were chamber President Otis Rawl and staff, Bill Lesesne, Bev Gunter, Darrell Hudson, Shelley Metropol, Bunnie and Don Hagenlocher, Kathy Foster, Cindy and Trey Powell, Virginia Gates, Pam Modica, Beth Mc-Crary, David Smith, Eli Lykes, Shirley Towne, Steven Doyle, Whitnei Jeffcoat, Allison Hedrick, Ben Fuller, Alex Huggins, Brian Adams, Manning Kolb and more.

Anne Bull reports that tea at the Lexington Main Library featured a variety of teas, hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie swap. The next tea will feature author Terry Mancuso discussing her new pub of Russian folk tales. The teas are open to the public and are held the second Sunday of each month at 2:30 pm.

Mike Spears tells us that his mother Marge, 98 years young, was co-grand marshal of the Batesburg-Leesville Christmas Parade on Sunday. She and a classmate shared the honor of being the oldest living graduates of their school. Marge graduated in 1939 and now resides in Lexington.

Bob and Rose Wingard report that they recently enjoyed a trip to New York City. Their Allegiant Airlines flight was piloted by Rose’s son, Jonathan Mayer. He led the passengers and crew in singing “Happy Birthday” to his mom. The Wingards were joined in NYC by Lenna Corley Young and husband Lance. Rose and Lenna have been friends since the 2nd grade and have birthdays one day apart.

Rose made a cameo appearance on the Today Show and they were invited inside the NBC studio where they were greeted by Columbia native Craig Melvin.

Happy birthday to Jake Knotts, Matt Cunningham, Darrel Hudson, Scott Adams, Heath Arnold, Caroline Bryson, Dalton Hersey, Allen Shealy, Landon Berry, Jackson Jeffcoat, Debbie Whiteside, Mike Burgess, Katie Carroll, Claudia Lee Schneider, Paul Morario, Kyle Russell, Karla C. Bays, Elaine Bennett, Amanda Crumpton, Lucas Reynolds, Dianne Taylor, Steve Fowler, Jason Foy, Christine Hendrick, Austin Mintz, Michael Weaver, Leslie Westberry, Richard Owen, Amber Surerus, David Cribb, John Fechtel, Wyatt Bingham, Amy Deaderick, Ethel Shamlin, Wayne Caughman, Pat Tinman, Chris Maynard, and Edward Garner.