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Tree lighting kicks off Christmas season in Portland




The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. The ceremony marks the beginning of the Christmas holiday season in town.FILE

The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. The ceremony marks the beginning of the Christmas holiday season in town.FILE

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas here on the downtown streets of Portland. The city crew has been busy putting up the tree and other Christmas decorations around the area, signaling the start of a busy holiday season. And the Portland Chamber of Commerce will lead the way with the annual Christmas tree lighting and Christmas Parade along with other festivities.

On Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m., the annual Christmas tree lighting will take place. Located on Main Street and Broadway (Hwy. 109), the tree is visible to the traffic traveling through town and bound to light up smiles and bring joy to many.

Adding to the festivity, the Portland Gateview Elementary school students will be there singing, to help set the mood. Living Free Fellowship Church, located on Riggs Avenue, will be providing hot chocolate to those in attendance. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend.

The Chamber of Commerce will be busy again on Saturday, Dec. 3, with the annual Christmas parade and pre-parade festivities. Activities go on from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. with the parade starting at 5:30 p.m. Main Street will be closed to allow the activities to take place. The parade route will also close Broadway down from Freedom Drive to the Portland East Middle School.

A variety of activities are in the planning, including live entertainment. Danny McCorkel will be providing the music while festivities are going on. Pictures with Santa will be available, but plan on getting them early. Please note that Santa will stop taking photos at 5 p.m., so he has time to take his place in the parade.

The Portland Rotary Club and Generation Church will each have ornament decorating areas for you to do. The Chamber of Commerce will have a place where you can decorate cookies, and eat them, too. And, because it’s still early enough, you can even write a letter to Santa while you are waiting for the parade to begin.

If you are looking for a couple of special and unique gifts or keepsakes, the Chamber of Commerce will be selling their annual Christmas ornaments. This year’s ornament features the Temple Theatre and sells for $20. This is the seventh annual ornament in the series. Previous year’s ornaments will also be available to complete your set for $20. each. A limited number of Portland Sesquicentennial books will also be available for purchase. Each book sells for $34.95. These are available at the Chamber of Commerce office during their regular business hours as well. Topping off the mood of the event, Generation Church will be providing free hot chocolate. A delicious and warming way to round out the festivities and watch the parade.

Joining Santa in the parade will be this year’s Holly Fest winner, the Portland High School Band, and a variety of floats, including the City of Portland’s float. If you or your organization are interested in participating in the parade with a float or marching, or if you would like any additional information, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 615- 325-9032.

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