Five years ago was my second Christmas in the Tri-State.  I had spent one holiday season in my youth in Ashland before my family settled in a nearby community.  I remember even then how this community always pulled together and how beautiful the decorations and lights were.  
This season is no different other then it is even more distinctive then in my youth.  Today is the day to realize what a special place we live in.
Ashland and Central Park have been the playgrounds for kids like me, and the generations that followed.  For over 100 years people have gathered on these grounds. Now, over 850,000 LED lights shine bright to amaze children of today for the first time as well as parents reliving their youth.
The 100 years of holiday celebrations started before the age of electric for many. Decorations on Winchester Avenue started at the turn of the century.  By 1915 and expanding into the early 1920s electric lights for the holidays were here in Ashland long before many towns of large size ever lit up the nights.
We have always gone above and beyond in the celebration of the season and of family.  This is who we are.
The largest Christmas Parade in the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky is here in Ashland.  Over 3,000 people marched, rode and celebrated the season with Santa Claus riding in to kick off the season.
There are events scattered all over the region - on both sides of the river – that all highlight children and love.  This is what the holidays are built on.
If we are lucky, and if we are good, we might even see a bit of snow to ring in Christmas.  This is one of my wishes.  I want the children of today to look back at that one year when out of the blue they woke up to snow on Christmas morning.  
I have spent time in each piece that I have written to talk about why we have reason to be hopeful for the future and what makes this community special. This feeling that I am presenting here is a big part of that.  This is who we are.  It may have past by for most of the country but here it is alive.
Let’s celebrate the season! Let’s be the best person we can be! Let’s make this a holiday to remember.  
I am lucky I have those holiday seasons of the past to look back on and smile.  If we can give that to a child of today, then we are doing our part and will all benefit.
From the Board of Directors, Staff, and Membership of Ashland Alliance, thank you.