For the twentieth year, the people of Lexington Virginia, gathered at one end of Main Street, just in front of the landmark Stonewall Jackson Cemetery, lit small candles and walked through town, singing Christmas carols, to Hopkins Green, where the town's Christmas tree was lit.
Santa and Mrs. Clause moved through the crowd, handing out candy canes ...
The fire was passed from candle to candle as the moment to step off arrived.
The Clauses led the procession, riding in a white, horse-drawn carriage.
Among those watching and waving from the sidewalk, local businessman Alvin Carter, standing in front of his clothing store, Alvin-Denis. He would salute those he knew with his cup as the passed.
