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Tree-lighting marks season, Pearl Harbor
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Pembroke resident and World War II veteran Rex Waters prepares to flip the switch Saturday to light the citys Christmas tree downtown. Saturday was also the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. - photo by By Christie Howard

More holiday events

Pembroke’s 30th annual Christmas Parade & Festival starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the parade at 11.
Expect everything from arts and crafts to food, rides, a rock wall, bungee jump and inflatables, entertainment, a classic car show, a decorated bike contest and more.

Pembroke flipped the switch on its annual Christmas celebration last Saturday, literally.

The city’s annual tree lighting ceremony took place and Pembroke veteran Rex Waters did the honors, thus allowing the city to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor at the same time.

Waters, a longtime bail bondsman and a former commander of the Pembroke American Legion post, is a World War II veteran.

City officials were upbeat about the start of the Christmas season at Monday’s council meeting at City Hall.

“We started our holiday celebrations this past week and so far it’s been extremely successful,” said Downtown Development Authority Director Sharroll Fanslau.

Fanslau said 126 people signed up at the event, and Pembroke Mayor Mary Warnell said more than 300 people attended the tree lighting and the city’s Festival of Trees, which opened Saturday at the Downtown Arts Center.

Individuals, clubs, schools, churches, organizations and businesses have their trees on display through Dec. 28.

Judges named the Pembroke Police Department’s tree the winner, with Bedingfield Pharmacy taking second and First Baptist Church’s Girls in Action taking third.

Residents can vote for their favorite tree through 2 p.m. Saturday, and a People’s Choice Award will be presented after the city’s 30th annual Christmas Parade, which takes place at 11 a.m.

Hours open for visiting the Festival of Trees vary through Dec. 28. For more information contact 653-4413.

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