ATHENS-The Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association will once again be bringing the North Pole to the historic Beaty District of downtown Athens. But this year, this annual December holiday event will be even grander as we will have electricity to better light up the array of creatively decorated trees.

“This annual fundraiser is a favorite tradition to many, including myself.” says Tourism President

Teresa Todd. “Hundreds of visitors and residents stroll through our Big Spring Memorial Park (turned North Pole), the entire month of December and I am so grateful that Mayor Marks and Commissioner Daly have provided a grant for Parks and Recreation to put temporary power poles up for us this year. In the past we’ve always used solar lighting, which was good, but we are thrilled and excited to light it up this year!”

Each year approximately 100 businesses, schools, non-profits and individuals decide a theme and bring their own decorations to their sponsored tree which is provided by Athens Tourism.  The Athens theme this year is “Christmas in Candyland” so sponsors can either use that theme or create their own personalized one. Some sponsors also choose to do a memorial tree dedicated to a lost loved one. Tree sponsorship is $100 and includes an approximate 6’ Fir tree and signage. There is no charge for spectators to stroll through to view all the decorated trees on display outside from December 1st-31st.

Tree Sponsorship is open from October 3 – November 18. Anyone interested in participating as a sponsor, decorator, or volunteer can visit www.visitathensal.com/north-pole-stroll.html or contact the Athens-Limestone Visitors Center at 256-232-5411.

Athens-Limestone Tourism Association 2022 North Pole Stroll Tree Sponsorship Form

$100  Includes Sponsor Sign by tree and logo on our website.

The Athens City 2022 Christmas Theme is A Christmas in Candyland. Feel free to decorate with this theme or create your own.

Name of Tree Sponsor ________________________________________________

Sponsor Contact’s Name ________________________________________________

Sponsor Phone ________________________________________________

Sponsor Email ________________________________________________

Are you sponsoring for a non-profit, group or other party to decorate? If so, list the group’s name _____________________________________________

Decorator Contact’s Name _____________________________________________

Decorator Phone _____________________________________________

Decorator Email ______________________________________________

Signage text: SPONSOR: ___________________________________________________________

DECORATOR: _____________________________________________

N/A: IN MEMORY OF: ______________________________________________________

I have received a copy and agree to the North Pole Stroll Tree Decorating Guidelines.

I will have my tree completely decorated no later than November 28th.

I will have my tree completely UNdecorated no later than January 3rd.

I have signed the Waiver of Liability and it is attached. My $100 payment is attached.

Check# ______________

Cash

Credit Card __________________________________________________________________________

Number                                                                Expiration                                          Code

__________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address

Athens-Limestone Tourism Association 100 N. Beaty St. Athens, AL 2022 North Pole Stroll Dec 1 – 31

Tree Sponsorship Guidelines

Thank you for sponsoring a Christmas Tree in our North Pole Stroll event. The Athens City 2022 Christmas Theme is “A Christmas in Candyland”. Feel free to decorate with this theme, your company theme or create your own. Have fun & invite your friends!

This is a month-long OUTDOOR event and we take every precaution to protect our natural resources: Big Spring Memorial Park, its’ users and its animal inhabitants. Athens Police Department will increase patrols in the park the duration of the event. Thank you to Athens City and Limestone County for arranging for temporary power poles for us this year!

All Sponsors will be provided the use of one live 6’ Fir Tree a    xed to a post and one Sponsor Sign; and **electricity** (new this year).

DECORATING

• Trees can be decorated from November 22nd – November 28th
• Sponsors must provide their own weather-proof, non-breakable decorations and they must be secured to the tree using pipe cleaners, small zip ties or strings, to avoid wind and rain blowing them o . Please don’t use water soluble glue on ornaments.
• Sponsors must provide their own Electric LED Outdoors Lights. We recommend 4-5 strings per tree for best appearance. Due to amperage, only electric LED Outdoor Lights are permitted.
• Using edible items on the trees is unfortunately prohibited. Please do not use candy canes, popcorn, bird seed, etc.
• O ensive, Inappropriate or Political Decor is prohibited and will be removed.
• Tips: Laminate pictures or papers beforehand. Spray Scotch Guard or other waterproofing to ribbons, fabric or bows to help prevent mold. Bring a small step ladder to help you decorate.
• Please check on your tree and decorations regularly, especially after windy and rainy days. We are not responsible for lost decorations.

UN-DECORATING

• Trees should be undecorated from December 29th – January 3rd.
• It is crucial that we restore the Park to its natural order asap.
• Please leave your Sponsor Sign.
• Please dispose of any trash responsibly.

Media Release/Tina Morrison/Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association