All the magic of the Christmas season will light up downtown Alpharetta at the 31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2008. The celebration will take place in the Milton Square City Park at Milton Avenue and Main Street in Historic Downtown Alpharetta. Creating Christmas memories for area families for over 30 years, Alpharetta’s tree lighting has been recently recognized as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
From its beginnings in 1977 with 100 people gathered around a 6-foot live blue spruce tree, Alpharetta’s annual holiday event has grown to 3,000+ people celebrating the lighting of the now 45-foot tree. The tree was moved from behind City Hall across the street to the Milton Square City Park in 1980 to accommodate the event’s fantastic growth.
“The Christmas Tree Lighting celebrates family and community,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “It is an Alpharetta event that brings people out to enjoy simple traditions for all ages.” Mayor Letchas and his wife Sally will read aloud the children’s holiday classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas as part of the festivities.
Alpharetta’s Christmas tree will come aglow with 10,000 twinkling lights at approximately 5:30 pm, just before the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a City of Alpharetta fire truck, which has been a tradition since the first tree lighting celebration. The Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration will offer the opportunity for children to visit with Santa in the Milton Square Park gazebo. A volunteer will be on hand to help take photos, or parents may take their own photos. Children can also enjoy free holiday crafts while waiting for Santa.
An entertainment program will feature live music by James Casto and Matt Blanchard and holiday dance performances by the City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department Rhythm n’ Shoes Dance Program. Alpharetta Christian Academy Children’s Chorus, St. James United Methodist Church “Angel Kisses” dance program, strolling carolers, elves, and other entertainment will add to the charm of the evening. Black Magic Carriage horse drawn trolley rides through Historic Downtown Alpharetta will be offered free of charge.
Starbucks will warm the evening with complimentary hot chocolate and coffee drinks. Smokejack, A Southern Grill will be available for dinner fare. Families are also invited to drop in at the Alpharetta Welcome Center for refreshments. The horse draw trolley will drop off at the Future Farmers of America log cabin for free historical tours, cider and cookies provided by the Alpharetta Historical Society. The shops and restaurants of Historic Downtown Alpharetta will also feature holiday activities and specials during the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.
The 31st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration is free to the public. Free parking is available at City Hall and Milton Center (the old Milton High School). The event owes its success, in part, to the generous volunteerism of the North Fulton Jaycees, Dr. James J. Awbrey’s office staff, Northwestern & Hopewell Middle School Jr. Beta Clubs, Milton High School Key Club, and Milton High School Interact Club. For more information, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us or phone 678-297-6078.
Labels: city of alpharetta, holiday tree lighting, milton square city park
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 2:48 PM
