The City of Clanton is hoping to brighten not only downtown but also everyone’s spirits during its Third Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony Dec. 4.

Live entertainment will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the lighting at 6:45 performed by Mayor Billy Joe Driver and the City Council. The entertainment lineup is still in the works, and will be announced at a later date.

Kids who want to get their picture taken with Santa should arrive early because he will be coming to town at 5 p.m.

“This is our way of kicking off the Christmas season,” Susan Rickles, City Hall secretary, said. “It’s entertainment for the family and it’s a way to get us into the Christmas spirit.”

Motorists should note that Sixth Street and Second Avenue North will close prior to the event. Bleachers will be set up for the public, but people are still welcome to bring lawn chairs, Rickles said.

The tree lighting traditionally occurs the night before the city’s Christmas Parade, which is set for Friday night, Dec. 5.

In preparation for the season, City Hall is beginning to look a lot like Christmas already, and the contagious spirit will soon spread about town.

“We will start decorating downtown Monday,” Rickles said.

For more information, contact City Hall at 755-4051.

MAPLESVILLE

The Town of Maplesville is preparing their streets for this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting. The town has brought in many new and fun events to take place on this special day, including a parade, booths with arts and crafts, float awards, yard awards and photos with Santa.

There are vendor spaces available for a $10 donation to the Maplesville Volunteer Fire Department. All vendor applications must be received by Monday, Nov. 24 to have a space reserved. Anyone interested in a slot should contact Sheila Haigler at Town Hall at (334) 366-4211.

The second annual tree lighting will start with a parade at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. The floats in the parade will be judged, and winners will be announced at the parade. Parade entry forms should be dropped off at Town Hall no later than Nov. 25.

The town will also award people within corporate limits of Maplesville who participate in the yard and home decoration contest. The yards will be judged and winners will be announced.

“We are excited to making the tree lighting ceremony even bigger this year, and we have already had a lot of attention. There are still some things that we need a lot of help with, though,” Rescue Chief Christine Epperson said.

The town is still looking for groups or individuals who wish to help entertain by singing or performing at the event.

-Scott Mims can be reached at scott.mims@clantonadvertiser.com and Ashley McCartney can be reached at ashley.mccartney@clantonadvertiser.com