The 28th annual Concord Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration is scheduled for this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving – keeping with tradition when all downtown’s Christmas pole lights, the creche and the tree would light up and everyone knew it was time for the Christmas season.
This year, with Mother Nature’s cooperation, the activities will begin at 3:30 p.m. with horse drawn wagon rides by Bruce Locke of Barnstead. The pickup point is Capitol Street. On the State House Lawn, you will find a petting zoo where boys and girls can feed and pet goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and more. There will also be pony rides.
All of the events are free, however donations will be accepted to help pay for the expenses, and donations will be given to Christmas charities.
The Brian Waldron Band will begin playing Christmas songs at 4 p.m. inside the city bandwagon. Rev. Ray Ball from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church will offer a Blessing of the Creche and the Christmas Tree, after which the Nativity Scene will be lit. Santa Claus will be transported to the State House Plaza by the Concord Fire Department. Santa will be visiting with boys and girls and listening to their holiday wishes. A.J. Dukette will be the emcee for the event.
The countdown to light the tree will begin at 5:59 p.m. and fireworks will light the skies over Concord starting at 6:10 p.m. The organizers will collect canned food for the food pantry and toys for the Friends of Forgotten Children.
This evening is meant to be a time when the community can come together to sing holiday songs, enjoy the activities, welcome Santa Claus to Concord, light the beautiful tree and watch the fireworks light the skies over Concord. This year, a miniature Menorrah will be lit in a tribute to Channukah. For information, call Dick Patten at 496-2917.
