COAL GROVE - Judging by the faces of Chance and Ansleigh Adkins and Haley Worley, Coal Grove's Christmas decorations earned three out of three on their "smile-meters."

The local youth were just a few of hundreds of people who visited Paul Porter Park Friday for the annual lighting ceremony of the community's Christmas lights. The event was made possible by the Coal Grove Betterment Club.

Seeing all the visitors and the children enjoy the display makes all the hard work by the club, community members and Dawson-Bryant students worthwhile as far as club president Sue Triplett is concerned.

"I am really tickled with it. We worked so hard," Triplett said Friday while visitors poured by on foot and in cars. "Jae Roush kept saying, 'It will come together. It will come together.' And it did."

Old mainstays such as the nativity scene, ice rink and train were once again crowd pleasers. Thanks to the community support and businesses such as Liebert Corp., the club was able to add new displays that included snowmen, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, an angel, a bear, deer and more.

John Pacheco, 4, of Palmara, Va., was in town visiting his "Mimi." The young man had a hard time picking a favorite.

"I like all of them," he said. "I like the (skating rink)."

All the holiday cheer had Pacheco thinking about that big day that is coming up in December.

"I'm getting a Harley-Davidson motorcycle," he said with a smile. "I hope it has pedals."

Kelli Russell, 7, of Hanging Rock knew immediately which one her favorite was.

"I like the baby Jesus," she said.

Russell was thinking about what Saint Nick might bring her, too. She asked for a 4-wheeler.

How will Santa get it down the chimney?

"Easy, he will put it in the sack," she answered matter-of-factly.

Dozens of visitors also took advantage of the evening to enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and a sing-along in the community building.

"It makes me feel good we can do things like this for the community," Triplett said. "We just want to let everyone get some enjoyment."

The display will remain up until the end of December.