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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The annual Clanton Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 3 is getting a makeover this year, and organizers are planning to have a forest of fun.

Co-organizers Teresa Connell and Kristin Mims hope to have 15 individual trees in addition to the traditional Corner Park Christmas tree.

Students in third grade and younger are being invited to create weather-resistant Christmas ornaments to put on the trees during the event. To participate, they can simply bring the ornament to the tree lighting. Flyers with additional information will be distributed to Clanton schools, preschools and day cares.

“When this is done, then I am going to place some of the trees over in front of city hall and they will be on display there and decorate city hall,” Connell said. “Then anyone who wants to can come walk through and see the ornaments from the children.”

Some trees will remain on display at Corner Park through Christmas.

“While they are decorating the trees with their ornaments, I am going to have live music playing,” Connell said.

Holy Destiny, Southern Pride and Adrian Barrington will sing Christmas songs during the event.

In order to have enough trees, Connell said they are accepting new or gently used, unlit Christmas trees that are 6-8 feet high.

“These trees will be put up and we will use them next year and pre-lit trees if they go out, they are so hard to replace the lights on them,” Connell said, explaining why she was asking fur unlit trees.

To coordinate a donation contact Connell at 205-258-9536 or Susan Rickles at City Hall at 205-755-1105.

Trees need to be donated by Nov. 27.

Children will also have the opportunity to get a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Connell said the Claus couple “will be COVID protected behind a glass. There will be some boxes that look like presents out in front of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, so the children can sit on that.”

Photos will be taken and available for free.”

Also new for this year will be a train ride, which is planned to depart from City Hall and circle the Courthouse.

Hot chocolate and popcorn will be available.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 3.