Alpharetta Celebrates the Magic of the Holidays With 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Posted Tuesday, November 14, 2006

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Alpharetta, GA – Everything magical about the holidays comes to life at The City of Alpharetta’s 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration 5 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2006. The celebration will take place in the Milton Square City Park at Milton Avenue in Historic Downtown Alpharetta.

 

The City of Alpharetta’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which has been an anticipated event with local families for 29 years, was recently recognized as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

 

“Alpharetta’s Christmas tree is a live tree and we are very proud to continue to celebrate this tradition with the community” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “It’s such a magical night for the children and their parents.”

 

Mayor Letchas and his wife Sally will read aloud the children’s holiday classic Twas the Night Before Christmas as part of the festivities.

 

A holiday entertainment program will lead up to the lighting of the City of Alpharetta’s 45-foot live tree with over 10,000 white twinkling lights at approximately 5:30 p.m., followed by the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus on a City of Alpharetta fire truck.

 

The entertainment program offered by the City of Alpharetta will feature renowned singer and songwriter James Casto performing his newly released Lila McCann holiday song Peace on Earth, which debuts on syndicated radio November 20.

 

The City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department Rhythm n’ Shoes Dance Program will perform Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and What Christmas Means to Me.

 

James Casto and friends, John Allison and Mike Shetler, will then lead 50 members of the Alpharetta Christian Academy Chorus, along with children from the audience, in singing favorite holiday songs. Strolling carolers from Kudzu Theatre’s presentations of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and A Christmas Carol will add to the magic of the evening.

 

“This is a celebration that creates memories for Alpharetta families and brings back memories of our own childhood,” said Kim Dodson, special events manager for the city. “With the magic of the Christmas tree lighting and the children awaiting the arrival of Santa, it’s one of my favorite nights of the year.”

 

Of course, the 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting festivities would not be complete without the opportunity for children to visit with Santa in the Milton Square Park gazebo and share their wishes. Clayton Cameracraft will be on hand should parents like to order professional photo keepsakes. Parents may also take their own photos.

 

Children can enjoy free holiday craft activities, and the entire family can snuggle together for and old-time horse and buggy ride with Crabapple Carriage and Buggy through Historic Downtown Alpharetta.

 

The City of Alpharetta will serve complimentary punch and cookies in the park, and the Starbucks Cheer Patrol will warm the evening with free coffee, gingerbread lattes and peppermint hot chocolate. The Alpharetta Welcome Center invites families to drop in for holiday refreshments, and the Alpharetta Historical Society’s Log Cabin will be open for folks to visit and enjoy hot cider and cookies.

 

The Cannery on Old Roswell Street will offer a beautiful hand-made 2006 Alpharetta Christmas Tree Lighting commemorative ornament. Other shops and restaurants of Historic Downtown Alpharetta will also feature holiday activities and specials during the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.

 

In addition to the City of Alpharetta special events staff and public works department, the 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is made possible by the generosity of volunteers from Alpharetta Jaycees, Harry Norman Realty and Dr. Awbry, DDS & staff. A coat and blanket drive will be conducted during the evening by Harry Norman Realty.

 

The 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration is free to the public. All of the evening’s activities are offered free by the City of Alpharetta, with the exception of the horse and buggy rides ($3 per person). For more information, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us or phone 678-297-6078.

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