By Ron VandenBoom
A night of joyous fun and entertainment is scheduled to highlight the 1999 Christmas Stroll tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 27, at the intersection of Third Avenue and Second Street in Havre.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with the arrival of Santa Claus. The jolly old elf from the North Pole will bring along his sack full of candy canes for the youngsters and is expected to move through the crowd while local musical groups set a festive mood by providing musical entertainment with a holiday twist.
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate provided by the Havre branch of The Salvation Army while Havre Mayor Phyllis Leonard gives the opening welcome and announces the kickoff of The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign.
She will be followed by the announcement of the winners of the window decorating contest and the drawing for the Super Certificate Giveaway that is expected to be worth about $1,000 in gift certificates donated by local businesses.
Santa will then flip the switch lighting the freshly decorated community Christmas tree.
Sleigh or hay rides will be available following the tree lighting ceremony and caroling, apple cider and cookies, will also be available at the VFW Club.
Havre stores will also remain open until 8 p.m. to catch the early-bird shopper.
Other events festive minded guests might want to participate in Saturday evening include the Live Nativity Scene that can be seen at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church from 5-7 p.m. and the Havre-Hill County Library's Story Hour. Contact the library to learn the times.
