Town Officials Sworn In; Christmas Festivities Around the Corner

Valley Head Town Council (left to right): Nathan Owen, John Chambers, Easton Bailey, Mayor Karen Vest, Scott Pepper, Lyndall Elkins, and Judge Ronnie Osborn

Our Oath of Office Ceremony took place November 3 at The Side Street Deli. Judge Ronnie Osborn officiated and swore in myself as mayor, our town council members Easton Bailey, John Chambers, Nathan Owen, Lyndall Elkins, and Scott Pepper. Judge Osborn also swore in Police Chief Brad Gregg, Fire Chief Dustin Burt, and our Town Clerk Lora Wooten. We handed out several well-deserved awards that same evening. Chief Gregg, Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Phillips, and retired officer Lamar Bray were presented certificates thanking them for their past years of service.

Fire Chief Burt and Assistant Chief Michael Chambers were awarded special certificates for their leadership and volunteer services, as was the entire Valley Head Fire Department. Adele Phillips was recognized with a special plaque, recognizing her dedication and service to the town for over 17 years on our Town Council. Charles Vest was named Volunteer of the Year for 2024 and 2025 and received a special certificate.

Volunteer Fire Department (left to right): JD Trammel, Chief Dustin Burt, Mayor Karen Vest, Lucas Elkins, Michael Chambers, and Mike Stone. Back row: M. Potts, Austin Gifford, Adam Thornton

Christmas in Valley Head will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2025. We will have caroling around the square, live musical entertainment, multiple vendors selling arts and crafts, plus our annual Christmas Parade. The festivities will begin at 3 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. The parade will begin at approximately 5 p.m. and will travel from Valley Head School through town and around the town square. We are thrilled to have a commitment from the Ider High School Marching Band to join this year’s parade. Jess Goggans and her musical troubadours will perform in front of town hall from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. We hope to have the Mentone Springs Children’s Choir perform that evening as well.

Naturally, no Christmas festival is complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus! We are hoping the Grinch and The Gingerbread Man will make appearances this year as well. Photos with Santa will be free! We have so many beautiful new Christmas decorations, and we can’t wait to light them up. Plan to join this free family event. Let’s kick off the holiday season together!

The Valley Head Volunteer Fire Department continues to grow. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call town hall at 256-635-6814, and we will give you Chief Burt’s contact information.

Valley Head holds their town council meetings on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. The public is always welcome to attend.