A large crowd gathered around the Christmas tree on the Mathews court green on Saturday evening for some holiday cheer. In addition to lighting the tree, participants enjoyed holiday selections from the BayBells handbell choir and the Salem United Methodist Church Children’s Choir, above. Among the children from Salem UMC performing were, front row from left, Brock Clark, Thomas Foster, McKinley Wiatt, Jack Ramsey; second row, Elijah Clark, Sam Tomcany, Abigail Ramsey, Michael Wiatt, Harmony Smith; back row, John Stephen Shaw, Melody Smith, Andrew Greve and Ray Hudgins. Melody Smith and Andrew Greve also performed as featured soloists. The tree was decorated by the students of Mathews High School art teacher Rachel Morris based on the theme of Picasso’s “Doves of Peace.” Grand Rental Station loaned its lift to assist in decorating the top. Christmas festivities in Mathews continue this weekend with Saturday’s parade, which begins at 1 p.m., as well as a sp...