COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 7, 2025) —The City of Cookeville Leisure Services Department hosted the annual Cookeville Community Tree Lighting on Sunday night at Dogwood Park, bringing residents together for music, readings and the official start of the city’s holiday season.
Chad McDonald, director of Leisure Services and Public Facilities, welcomed attendees and introduced the evening’s program.
“This event creates an opportunity for residents to gather and enjoy the start of the season,” McDonald said. “It’s always encouraging to see families, students and neighbors share this tradition in Dogwood Park.”
Tennessee Tech University senior vocal major Faith Manganaro performed the national anthem to begin the ceremony. Supporting the event were members of the Cookeville Fire Department, who displayed the American flag from their tower truck and officers from the Cookeville Police Department, who provided traffic and safety support.
Music continued throughout the program with performances from vocalist Melissa Ellis, who sang “The Christmas Waltz,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Christmas in New Orleans.”
Seasonal remarks from Mayor Laurin Wheaton followed, leading into a combined performance by elementary school choirs from Capshaw, Parkview, Sycamore, Jere Whitson, Northeast, Prescott and Burks.
A community reading of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was presented by Kathryn Wisinger, director of the Putnam County Library; Bob Luna, voice of the TTU Band; and Lisa Uhrik of Plenty Downtown Bookshop. Ellis returned to the stage with a performance of “O Holy Night.”
Recognition of the Merry and Bright Challenge winners was provided by Recreation Programmer Sally Herren, celebrating residents whose holiday displays were selected by judges. Local Pastors Steve Tiebout, Mark Davis, and Chip Hunter presented the Nativity Story followed by the elementary choirs singing “Away in a Manger.”
The ceremony concluded with the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Mayor Wheaton’s children activated the ceremonial lever used to light the community Christmas tree as the audience counted down. The final performance of the night featured the children’s choirs and Ellis leading the crowd in “Joy to the World.”
The tree will remain lit each night through Jan. 6 and will feature an hourly light show at the top of each hours from 5-9 p.m.
Photo Identification, Taken by Jaden Crummie:
From left to right: Luke Eldridge, vice mayor; Ali Bagci, councilman; Laurin Wheaton, mayor; Eric Walker, councilman; and Chad Gilbert, councilman