Sweet Seasons takes place in Forest Acres
Photos and story by John Dixon
Cub@TheColumbiaStar.com

Eddie Wales, president of FARMA cooks chili at Sweet Seasons.

Forest Acres City Hall was the site of the third annual Sweet Seasons gala Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, 2006. It was jointly sponsored by Forest Acres City Council and the Forest Acres Restaurant and Merchants Association (FAR-MA). FARMA president, Eddie Wales, of Paulies Pizza and Tombo Grille said, "This is the third year of Sweet Seasons and it has had the best turnout yet. I think it has become a tradition."

The event began at 6 pm to allow those assembled to sample the delicious food and wares provided by some 18 to 20 businesses and organizations. Great door prizes were awarded at three intervals during the night. Participating entities included: Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, Dunkin Doughnuts, Fran's, Grouchos, Hooligans, Italian Pie, Palmetto Potions (Hot Sauces), Pasta Fresca, Paulies/Tombo Grille, Publix Grocery Store, Shane's Rib Shack, The Cultural Council of Lexington and Richland Counties, Cardinal Newman Choir, Island Close By, Keep the Midlands Beautiful, Leapin' Lizards, Magician John Tudor, Standard Electric, and the City of Forest Acres.

Gerry Melendez and his son William enjoy Sweet Seasons at City Hall in Forest Acres.

There was egg nog, cider, chili, chicken, doughnuts, and delicious barbecue. Councilman Charles Fetner raved about the mouthwatering barbecue from Shane's Rib Shack and the yummy egg nog, but, of course he did sample some ice cream too.

Music was provided by the steel drum band, Island Close By and the Cardinal Newman Choir. Entertainment was provided for the children by Leaping Lizards.

Electrician Butch Richardson and his four man team worked for a solid week and a half to put up all the lights on the poles throughout the city and dress up the tree.

At 7 pm Mayor Frank Brunson welcomed those assembled and Councilman Charles Fetner led the invocation. The Cardinal Newman Singers led by Ruth Ann Ingham rendered a stellar performance of traditional Christmas carols, and Mayor Brunson threw the switch to light the towering Yuletide tree on the front lawn to the delight of all assembled.

Kevin Elliott and Leah finish a plate of food at the Sweet Season celebration in Forest Acres.

Little children gathered on the lawn around the tree to frolic under the watchful eye of parents and grandparents. With tummies full of tasty treats and hearts full of Christmas cheer, another family friendly event in the City of Forest Acres drew to a close. The third annual Sweet Season Celebration was definitely a success and a tradition well worth continuing.