ATHENS-The North Pole Stroll kickoff will be Saturday, Dec. 3, from 5-7 p.m. at Big Spring Memorial Park around the Duck Pond. This is a family-friendly event organized by local agencies and supported by Lowe’s of Athens. Santa will return on Dec. 17, one week before Christmas Eve, and read “The Night Before Christmas” to children.
The North Pole Stroll is a holiday gift to the community. Local businesses, families, churches, schools and other groups decorate live trees donated by Lowe’s. Each tree utilizes solar lights, and each tree highlights a theme. For example, Friends of the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter are raising money by accepting donations to hang a pet’s picture on their two trees. Athens Utilities is sponsoring a tree for the City of Athens Relay for Life Team, which will honor current and former employees who have or are battling cancer.
Athens Parks and Recreation began installing 20 live trees this week. Athens-Limestone Tourism Association Director Teresa Todd said the goal is to double that number and have enough trees to circle the Duck Pond. Tree sponsorships still are available by calling her at 256-232-5411.
Tree sponsorships are available for $100. Businesses can decorate their own tree or sponsor a non-profit. For example, The News-Courier is sponsoring a tree for Team Victory 4 All, a non-profit group which raises funds and awareness related to childhood cancer. Tree sponsors will receive signage at the stroll and their logo on the event website.
Decoration of trees will begin Nov. 28 and will continue until the Dec. 3 kickoff.
“This is one of those events that encourage families to enjoy spending time in Athens,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “Quality of life is a
Mayor Ronnie Marks
main focus for any city, and I want to personally thank our Parks and Rec staff and the agencies who work together to make this happen.”
Athens-Limestone Tourism Association oversees the event with assistance from the City of Athens, Spirit of Athens, Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful and Limestone County Archives.
In addition to the trees, KALB has invited its snowman family to return. Volunteers created the snowman family from recycled tires. KALB Executive Coordinator Lynne Hart said this year, the snowman family theme will be, “Tired of Waiting for Santa.”
For more information go online at www.athensnorthpolestroll.com
