Havre's holiday celebration begins today with a showing of the movie "Shrek 2," which will be followed Saturday by the main event - the holiday tree lighting and arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Town Square.
Cottonwood Cinema 4 joined with the Havre Area of Chamber of Commerce in offering free admission, with the donation of a nonperishable food item, to "Shrek 2" at 2 p.m. today, and at noon Saturday and Sunday.
The holiday tree lighting Saturday at 5 p.m. will showcase a multitude of activities beside turning the lights on.
Santa will arrive about 5:30 p.m. Parents are asked to take their children to the Atrium parking lot about 5:15 so they can follow Santa and Mrs. Claus' float and sing Christmas carols as the procession makes its way up Third Avenue to Town Square. Luminaries along the avenue will light up the way.
The local choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will perform during the tree lighting. Havre Mayor Bob Rice will turn on the lights.
Activities with Santa will continue Dec. 4. Children are invited to have lunch with Santa at the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line at 1 p.m., and to go with him to a skating party at the Havre Ice Dome from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Other activities throughout the holiday season will be announced by the chamber and other sponsors.
Some charitable activities also are under way. They include:
Havre Jaycees Toys For Tots. Boxes are set up at Kmart, IGA and Holiday Village Shopping Center to collect new and used toys. The toys will be distributed to families Dec. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the basement of the Eagles Club.
Havre Jaycees Coats for Kids. People can donate coats in good condition at Havre Laundry and Dry Cleaning. The coats also will be distributed Dec. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the basement of the Eagles Club.
A holiday food and clothing drive by area businesses.
