By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

As soon as Pelham City Councilman Ron Scott placed the more than 2-foot-tall white wig on his head on Oct. 7, the advice started rolling in from others in the room who had been in the same situation in past years.

“You need to be there about three hours early so they can do your makeup,” former Pelham mayor Bobby Hayes said, drawing laughs from those gathered for the City Council meeting.

“Go to the bathroom before you get that getup on,” current Mayor Gary Waters said.

Carrying on a Pelham tradition stretching back several years, Grebel Dance owner Deborah Grebel attended the council meeting to announce who will play Mother Ginger during this year’s production of The Nutcracker at Pelham High School.

Each year, Alabama Youth Ballet selects a male Pelham public figure and casts him as Mother Ginger during the annual production, which will be held Dec. 14-15 at the Pelham High School auditorium. Ticket prices range from $10-$15 apiece.

As Mother Ginger, Scott will dance onto the Sugar Plum Fairy’s court and open his vast skirt to reveal eight gingerbread children who will dance around him.

During the Oct. 7 meeting, Grebel gave the white wig – which is worn by Mother Ginger during the performances – to last year’s Mother Ginger, Police Chief Tommy Thomas.

Thomas weaved his way through the crowd gathered in the council chambers before making his way to the front of the room and placing the wig on Scott’s head.

“I want to thank the chief for the passing of the wig,” Scott said, noting his daughter was involved with dance for many years. “I’ve paid my dues, and I know the hard work that goes into this. I look forward to wearing it with pride.”

Thomas will succeed Pelham Parks and Recreation Director Billy Crandall, former Pelham Mayor Don Murphy, Waters and several others who have filled the role over the past several years.

“You join a very elite group there,” Waters said.