Concord tree lighting

Bow Editor — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 21:38:00 GMT

4 p.m. Friday Nov. 24

Santa, Gov. Lynch, horse-drawn wagon rides, manger, petting zoo, holiday music, fireworks are part of the 20th annual downtown event

Twenty years ago, about 20 people gathered to sing carols and do a countdown to light the tree and nativity scene in Concord. Two decades later, more than 2,000 people are expected to come to the State House Plaza on the day after Thanksgiving to help launch the holiday season.

This year’s lighting will held on Friday, Nov. 24, with WNNH 99.1 starting the proceedings with holiday music at 4 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m., a special tree in Eagle Square decorated with white lights and a star with blue and red bulbs will be lit to honor members of the Armed Forces who won’t be home for the holidays this year.

Santa Claus will arrive at the State House Plaza, courtesy of the Concord Fire Department, at 5 p.m. He will visit with boys and girls inside a heated trailer.

A blessing of the manger and tree will be offered at 5:15 p.m.

Introduction of special guests will be held at 5:45 p.m. Gov. John Lynch and Dr. Susan Lynch are expected to be on hand, plus Mayor Mike Donovan, Sen. Sylvia Larson and members of the Concord City Council.

The lighting countdown is scheduled to begin at 5:59 p.m. Once the tree is lighted, fireworks will light up the skies over Concord.

Throughout the event, horse-drawn wagon rides will be offered on Park Street. A voluntary $1 donation is suggested. Donations will be used to buy gifts for needy children. A petting zoo will be set up on the lawn inside the arch. Members of the Concord High School band will play holiday selections, followed by the Brian Waldron Band.

Donations are needed to defray the expenses. Send a check or money order to the Christmas Tree Lighting, c/o *** Patten, 30 Pinewood Trail, Concord, NH 03301.

Bring new toys for needy children and holiday cards to be sent to military members living away from home. A collection box will be placed on the bandwagon stage.

In case of extreme weather, the tree lighting will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 4 p.m. For more information, call *** Patten at 228-1803.

Concord News : holidays

Concord tree lighting