PICKENS — Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative marked the symbolic beginning of the Christmas season for many local residents when it held its 36th annual tree lighting ceremony last week.

During a festive evening on the lawn of the co-op’s Pickens office on Nov. 21, a large crowd gathered around the tree — a landmark in downtown Pickens — to see the lights illuminate for the first time this Christmas season. The event offers an opportunity for the community to come together and prepare for the holiday season.

The evening began with a bittersweet welcome from Blue Ridge

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