Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Friendship Plaza Scheduled for December 6

 

(Media Release) Cartersville Downtown Development Authority is gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Friendship Plaza which will take place on Thursday, December 6, at 5:59 PM – just prior to the Cartersville Exchange Club Annual Christmas Parade.  Prior to the tree lighting ceremony, there will be plenty of entertainment and activities to enjoy including photos with Santa, dance performances, a choral performance of "O Holy Night," and an ice skating rink, sponsored by Family Savings Credit Union and Kasasa.

"The Christmas Parade is a wonderful tradition for downtown Cartersville, and I am so excited about the various activities that go along with the event," said Cartersville Downtown Development Authority Manager Tara Currier.  "The DDA decided to move the tree lighting ceremony to the night of the Christmas parade several years ago, which I think was a wonderful idea.  The first Thursday in December has really evolved into an entire evening of holiday fun and festivities.  I encourage people to head downtown early to enjoy the array of activities in and around Friendship Plaza which will include photo opportunities with Santa, holiday music and performances, and new this year, an ice skating rink made possible through the sponsorship of Family Savings Credit Union and Kasasa."

Beginning at 3:30 PM, the ice skating rink will be open on Museum Drive, just opposite the railroad tracks from the Cartersville Welcome Center. There will be skates provided, and the activity is free to enjoy. Personnel on hand will insure all skaters have a fair amount of skating time, and will limit the number of skaters allowed on the ice at one time. 

"On behalf of the DDA board of directors and staff, we are so grateful for the sponsorship of Family Savings Credit Union and Kasasa for providing this incredibly unique activity in conjunction with our Christmas Tree Lighting festivities," said Currier. "What child in Bartow County ever thought he would be able to ice skate in downtown Cartersville?!  It's definitely an exciting addition, and we are thrilled these companies chose to sponsor our event and provide such a great opportunity for the local community to enjoy."

The ice skating rink will be open from 3:30 to 6:30 PM on Museum Drive.  Beginning at 4:00 PM, Santa Claus will be set up in Friendship Plaza for free photo opportunities (bring your own camera to capture the moment; there will not be a photographer on site).  At 5:00 PM, Fusion Dance Company will perform, and at approximately 5:30 PM, Cartersville School of Ballet will take to the stage.  After the dance performances, Cartersville resident Savannah Lowery will sing "O Holy Night," as she has the past several years, and at 5:59 PM, Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Tate will do the official tree lighting.  Onlookers may then turn their attention to Main Street as the Christmas Parade makes it way downtown shortly after 6:00 PM.

For additional details about any of the Christmas Tree Lighting festivities held in and around Friendship Plaza, call the DDA office at 770-607-3480.