By JENNIFER MAIER / Community Columnist

She brings joy to any room she walks into, and on Dec. 7, Bonnie Atchison will spread joy on Main Street in Columbiana as she serves as this year’s grand marshal for the Christmas Parade.

“She is the fairy godmother of Columbiana,” said Mayor Stancil Handley.

Most people would agree with the mayor’s description. You don’t have to spend much time around Atchison before you realize what a treasure she is.

In 1993, Atchison retired from Shelby County High School, where she taught drama, speech and English.

She has served as the curator for the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington and as director for the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.

Atchison is a talented artist, and her paintings can be found all around Columbiana.

Recently, Atchison was a special guest at a reception honoring participants in the Columbiana Holiday Tour of Homes. In her usual style, she captured the attention of everyone in the room.

Her son, Mike Mason, along with his wife, Judy, also attended the event. Mike sang Christmas tunes for the attendees, and it is clear to see that he inherited a knack for entertaining from his mother.

The Christmas Parade is a much-anticipated event, and will feature vehicles of all types, each one decked out for the holidays. Parade events will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the actual parade starting at 7 p.m.

Another event sure to entertain the whole family will take place on Dec. 14 and 15 when Columbiana Main Street will have its Holly, Jolly Trolley Tour of Lights. This will be the third year for the event, which is always a sell-out. Participants can enjoy a trolley ride around Columbiana where they will see area homes decorated for the holidays.

Two tours are available on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Three tours will be available on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Cookies and hot cocoa included.

Adult tickets are $10, kids 12 and under are $5. Children ages 3 and under ride free and must sit in an adult’s lap. Tickets can be purchased at Busy Hands.