Light Up Landrum and the Landrum Christmas Stroll brought more than a hundred visitors to town, including Santa Claus, but no one received a warmer welcome than Dever Little Jr., the 2013 Landrum Citizen of the Year.

Bob Walker, with the Lions Club, presented a plaque to Little at the corner of town behind Foothills Amish Furniture.

Bright white lights twinkled like clustered stars from the lampposts, and golden bows dotted evergreen swags along East Rutherford Street.

The Landrum Area Business Association, the City of Landrum, the Landrum Garden Club and private donors united to brighten the night through the holiday season beginning with the Light Up Landrum event.

A 9-foot community Christmas tree was lit and families are continuously encouraged to add an ornament that represents them to the community tree.

As carolers sang and a bright fire roared, Little said he appreciated everyone’s kind words.

Little’s granddaughter, Mallorie Fisher, nominated him for the award, saying, “Growing up, I was able to watch my grandfather help so many people in Landrum. Every summer, I would travel all around town doing Meals on Wheels with him, and delivering goodies to Mrs. Ida. However, the best thing I remember growing up doing with him was selling the Lions Club colorful lifesavers at the Community Cash. We were the best team ever.”

Little, who’s retired from the Landrum Fire Department, received the 1993 Lion of the Year Award, and served as a Landrum councilman and mayor for a total of 18 years.

The former Eagle Scout graduated from the Citadel with honors, and he worked for 30 years as an accountant at the Bigelow Sanford plant in Landrum.

He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge and Landrum United Methodist Church.

“Not many people can say that their grandfather taught them how important it is to be a leader in their town, but my grandfather has shown me exactly how to do it and always leads by example,” Fisher said.

Little’s wife of 52 years, Betty (Littlefield) Little, a lifelong resident of Landrum, attended the ceremony along with one of their daughters, Lynne Fisher.

“He always has been helpful to everybody, and he always wants to make everything just right,” Betty Little said.

As Landrum Citizen of the Year, Little will serve as grand marshal in the Christmas parade this Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. The parade route begins on North Trade Avenue at The Depot and winds through town to Landrum Middle School.

Santa will arrive on the ladder of a fire truck, then return to the Landrum Fire Station to visit with kids and pose for photos. Refreshments will be served.

The parade is sponsored by the Landrum Fire Department and the Landrum Area Business Association.