Jefferson Matters: Main Street invites everyone to their third annual Christmas Tree Lighting event later this week.

The event starts a little before 5:30pm in the Greene County Courthouse rotunda with the First United Methodist Church Bell Choir playing holiday music.  Then everyone will count down with Santa and Mrs. Claus to lighting the Christmas tree.  Other activities include a Sugar Plum Fairies performance, the reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” from guest speaker Jerry Roberts and Relay for Life will display their luminary tree.

Plus, the first 200 people in attendance will once again receive a free cookie coupon to use at Homestead Coffee and Bakery.  New this year, the first 100 kids will receive a free glow stick to help “light up the night.”

Another new addition to the annual event is Victorian Carolers at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens on the southeast corner of the downtown square.  While you’re there, you are encouraged to take pictures in Santa’s sleigh.  Plus, you can pick up a “tree tag” at the courthouse and write a wish.  You can then put your “tag” on the tree at the Gardens and one lucky winner will receive $50 in Chamber bucks.

The Mahanay Bell Tower will also be open from 5:30 to 7pm where kids can visit Santa.  The Jefferson Does are also serving a soup supper for a freewill donation at the Elks Lodge from 4:30 to 7pm.

Program Director Peg Raney says this is truly a community event, with several entities involved.

“I think it says a lot about Jefferson and how people work together to get things accomplished.  We just named off all these different organizations that have a part of a big idea to draw people into Jefferson to shop and enjoy the Christmas season.”

All activities are free and open to the public.