Everyone is invited to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Jefferson this Thursday.

Jefferson Matters: Main Street is partnering with Thomas Jefferson Gardens, the Bell Tower Community Foundation, Friends of the Jefferson Public Library and Greene County Chamber and Tourism to host the holiday event. It kicks off with holiday stories being read at the library and the Greene County Courthouse from 5 to 6pm by the Friends of the Library. Then starting at 5:15 will be “Tower Tunes Live” on the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower, along with caroling by the Greene County Singers beginning at 5:30. Cookies and water will be served at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens Education and Welcome Center from 5:45 to 6:15 where the public can also write down a Christmas wish to hang on a Christmas tree.

The event continues at 6:15 with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Thomas Jefferson Gardens Education and Welcome Center, which includes a Christmas sing-a-long with the Greene County Singers. Then at 6:30pm, Santa will light the Christmas tree, which will be followed by more holiday stories in the courthouse from 6:45 to 7:15. Santa will then make a trip to the top of the bell tower to listen to kids’ wish list from 6:45 to 7:30.

Chairperson Angie Reese-Hueser explains why she continues to take a leadership role for the event.

“The way I feel like I best participate in Main Street is by doing this Christmas lighting (event). It’s my favorite part of the year. I think lots of people love Christmas. But I love the family aspect of it. I love families coming out with their kids. I love seeing the kids happy, that’s why I keep doing it.”

She adds that maps will also be available to people to check out several outdoor holiday displays for the Light Up the Holidays event that will be going on from December 6th through the 9th. To hear more from Reese-Hueser listen to today’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.