Christmas tree lighting set for Friday
Santa Claus greets his many fans at a past tree lighting ceremony at Jeff Jones Town Square. The Jolly Old Elf left the reindeer at home, choosing to arrive at the annual event with the help of Sandpoint Fire and Sandpoint Police.
File photo/CAROLINE LOBSINGER
A closeup view of a past community Christmas tree at Jeff Jones Town Square.
SANDPOINT — Bundle up and head over to the town square on Friday as the community prepares to kick off the holiday season — and welcome the Jolly Old Elf himself to Santa-point, Idaho-ho-ho.
The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. at Jeff Jones Town Square, Third and Oak, with the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce coordinating the community’s annual Christmas tree lighting event.
Music and caroling will highlight the fun from 5 to 6 p.m. Just before 6 p.m., emcee David Keyes and Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm will lead the countdown to light the tree. At 6 pm., Santa arrives at the celebration aboard a Sandpoint Fire engine to visit with area children and meet with them for pictures.
The Sandpoint Chamber partners with the city of Sandpoint, Sandpoint Fire and Sandpoint Police departments, local businesses, and many volunteers to bring this special event to the community.
Chamber executive director Mickey Quinn said BNSF Railway, Idaho Forest Group, and Ziply Fiber are sponsoring the event, which is helping make the event extra special.
“Their generosity allows the Chamber to provide free hot cocoa, hot cider, and cookies for attendees of this event, while supplies last,” Quinn said.
A closeup view of a past community Christmas tree at Jeff Jones Town Square.