HAMLET — Earl Bradshaw has seen a lot of Christmases in his time.

This coming Christmas will be his 101st.

Bradshaw, who turned 100 years old this past August, was selected to light the Hamlet Christmas tree at Main Street Park on Monday.

“The Lord has been really good to me and I thank him for it,” he said.

After being introduced by City Manager Marcus Abernethy, Bradshaw stepped up to the podium for the countdown.

“I only have to count five numbers,” he said.

He first started with “One,” before starting over and counting down from five — pointing to the tree as it lit up with white lights.

Bradshaw will also be the grand marshal for the Hamlet Christmas parade on Thursday.

“I think it’s an honor to be asked to take part (in the tree-lighting ceremony),” he said, clutching a cup of hot chocolate. “And an honor to be in the parade. I hope it don’t rain.”

As the event began, Mayor Bill Bayless welcomed and thanked the crowd for coming out in the cold drizzle.

Following a keyboard performance of several Christmas songs by Caleb Dickens, Councilman Tony Clewis read the biblical story of Christ’s birth as church members from Outreach for Jesus re-enacted a live Nativity scene, portraying Joseph, Mary and two shepherds.

The chorus from Monroe Avenue Elementary School also performed several Christmas songs, with the director prompting the audience to sing the first verse of “Silent Night.”

After the tree-lighting, Abernethy led the crowd in “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” before city staffers served up cookies and hot chocolate.

The Rockingham tree-lighting is scheduled of 7 p.m. tonight at Cole Plaza and Dobbins Heights will hold its ceremony at 5;30 p.m. Saturday at the new community center.

Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_toler.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal Earl Bradshaw, who turned 100 this past August, lit the Hamlet Christmas tree on Monday. Bradshaw will also be the grand marshal in Thursday’s parade.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_hamlettreelight_bradshaw.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal Earl Bradshaw, who turned 100 this past August, lit the Hamlet Christmas tree on Monday. Bradshaw will also be the grand marshal in Thursday’s parade.

By William R. Toler

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