PHOTO BY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook community will kick-off the holiday season with the 26th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities, which will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It will also be the lighting of the 18th Festival of Trees in the City Center. You will feel like you’re in the heart of gingerbread land.

Beautifully decorated Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes may be viewed at the “Festival of Trees.” You will walk past some very unique and colorfully decorated trees. The trees are sponsored by area businesses, churches, individuals, and organizations. Please remember that the Gladbrook Women’s Club will be judging the exhibits in the Festival of Trees. You might be a lucky winner of a prize!!!!

Santa Claus will make his annual appearance in Gladbrook on Nov. 29. He will be upstairs in the City Center on the stage passing out the Santa sacks starting at 5:30 p.m. “Jolly Old St. Nick” will be seated on the brightly decorated stage, where you can take your own Santa pictures. The elves will be helping Santa if you just want to pick up your Santa Sack. You are never too old to get a sack!

There will be a small Farmers Market in the City Center that evening.

Free hot dogs and hot apple cider will be ready to go by 5:30 p.m. on Main Street.

PHOTO BY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Christmas music will be playing to help everyone get into the holiday spirit.

Plume Hill Carriage Service, of Newton will be ready to pull a wagon for all ages to ride from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The trolley is sponsored by Goos Implement and Gladbrook First Interstate Bank.

The highlight of the evening will be the singing of Christmas carols by GMG students and the lighting of the brand-new Christmas tree. Caroling around the tree starts at 7 p.m. with the tree lighting at 7:15.

The kids’ prizes will be sorted according to age so make sure you register. After the caroling just check your respective age bracket table to see if you are a winner! The adults (anyone 18 years and over) may register for the four $25 trade dollar prizes.

This wonderful evening of holiday fun is sponsored by the Gladbrook Commercial Club and the area businesses.

Come one and all as we transform Gladbrook’s Main Street into a holiday wonderland.