As sunset approached this Sunday, a crowd gathered at The Summit shopping center to celebrate the start of Hanukkah with a Grand Menorah Lighting.
As the crowd swelled to more than 500 people, families took the opportunity to take photos with Dreidel Man at the event. Balloon artists also entertained guests with balloon animals and hats, and hot chocolate was plentiful.
Birmingham Mayor William Bell lit the service candle on the Grand Menorah and afterward prayers were sung.
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Frank Couch
Birmingham Mayor William Bell lit the service candle. The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
Daniel Burnick wears a light up menorah hat at the celebration. The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
Kathryn Pautler and Tina Weldon hold an Chaunkagram Frame The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
Dreidel Man poses for pictures with the crowd. The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch
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Frank Couch
The first Grand Menorah Lighting at the Summit in Birmingham, Ala. Sunday December 6, 2015. Over 500 people gathered for the lighting just after sundown and enjoyed hot chocolate, donuts and latkes. Photo by Frank Couch