Photo: First Security will be placing this 30-foot Christmas tree on the Mountain Home Veterans Plaza with nine other smaller trees for the festival set for Dec. 6.
An annual tradition to kick off the Christmas season in the Twin Lakes Area will be expanded this year. The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce will hold the Mountain Home Town Christmas Festival next Friday, Dec. 6, starting at 4 p.m. in the downtown area of the city.
Chamber Executive Vice President Angela Broome says spectators of the usual tree lighting ceremony and Christmas parade often arrive early, so this time, they’ll have plenty of activities while they’re waiting.
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One of the new activities for the festival is Santa’s Diamond Dash sponsored by Gregory Jewelers, and Anytime Fitness is assisting with a 1-mile fun run. The start time is set for 5:30, as the run begins at Clark Office Products and ends at Hospital Drive. The winner will receive a diamond pendant necklace. Another diamond prize will be given for the biggest Christmas spirit, so participants are encouraged to dress up in a holiday outfit.
The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will get underway at 6, and this year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop. Attendees are being reminded there is only one Santa Claus, and he will be seen at the end of the parade.
Broome says shortly after the parade ends, the First Security Bank Tree Lighting Ceremony will get underway sometime around 7 or 7:15.
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Broome says the tree will be coming from Little Rock. It stands at 30 feet tall and is still growing. First Security Bank will have a custom-made base for the tree, and it will also be secured with wires. The tree will be decorated with assistance from Annette’s Flowers, and the lights will be turned on by someone flipping a switch.
The bank will be providing hot cocoa and apple cider during the festival. The smaller trees will be illuminated at the beginning of the festival, and entertainment will be provided via Christmas carolers.
Broome says the idea of expanding the kickoff to the Christmas season was partly because the chamber is looking to bring more activities to the downtown area as part of the Baxter County Forward initiative.
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For more information, contact the Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-425-5111.
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