News-Argus/STEVE HERRING

The soft glow of the colorful lights on the Mount Olive town Christmas tree appeared to fascinate 2-year-old Avery Abrams, who kept urging his grandfather, Buck Abrams of Mount Olive, to move closer and closer to the tree. Avery is the son of Patrick and Morgan Abrams. He is also the grandson of Marie Abrams. Thursday night's tree lighting was part of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Mount Olive Holiday Open House. The event included merchant's promotions, free food, tours of the town museum, carolers and Santa, who arrived in the town's new platform ladder truck.