The city of Pineville was overflowing with holiday spirit on Sunday as residents gathered together to be a part of a beloved holiday tradition among the community, as well as to begin a whole new tradition which will be passed down to future generations.

For nearly half a century, the Lighting of the Star program has served as an exciting and classic way for Pineville residents to welcome in the Christmas season. However, this year the community decided to take their love for the holiday one step further with the introduction of a community Christmas tree.

“The lighting of the star is a tradition that is very unique to Pineville, and it is something that we, as a city, want to help sustain and continue each year, and we are more than excited to be able to add the lighting of the tree to the program,” said Main Street Pineville Director Jacob Roan. “Hopefully, 47 years from now we can look back on what we are beginning today the same way we do the star lighting.”

One exceptional community member will receive the honor of lighting the tree each year, and city leaders certainly didn’t find themselves wasting too much time before choosing a very deserving candidate to begin the annual practice: Rosemary Combs, a remarkable Pineville resident who has dedicated much of her life to bettering the community in any way she can.

“I could not think of anyone better to begin this tradition than Mrs.Combs, seeing as she has given so much back to the community throughout her lifetime,” Pineville Mayor Scott Madon said when announcing their choice at the ceremony.

Combs, 94, claimed to be full of pride upon receiving the opportunity to begin what is sure to become an annual tradition throughout the city, just as the star lighting has been for much of her life.

The tree, along with the star, can be viewed from the Courthouse Square on Main Street.