Christmas tree lighting Nov. 27 in Ida
IDA – In honor of Christmas in Ida’s 40th anniversary, some special guests will take part in the festival’s kick-off Christmas tree lighting.
Actors portraying Mary and Joseph as well as a live donkey will participate in the Nov. 27 Christmas tree lighting at Ida Township Park.
The event will begin at 6 p.m., with a guided procession from the Ida United Methodist Church on Ida East Rd. to the Township Park.
The procession will be led by Mary and Joseph and their donkey. The 3 ½-block journey will follow Ida East Rd. to Riggs St., past St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Van Aiken St. to Lewis Ave. to the township park.
Participants will carol along the route and are asked to carry a lantern or flashlight. The procession will be held with traffic control.
The Ida Christmas tree lighting will take place after the procession and after the hanging of the ornaments.
Families, businesses, community organizations, clubs and school groups are invited to create a special ornament for the tree. During the tree lighting, the ornaments will be hung by the makers. Ornaments should be at least six-inches and no larger than 10-inches in diameter. Ornaments can be any shape with an easy, but secure way to hang and able to withstand outdoor weather. Creators should include their name on the ornament. Those unable to attend can hang the ornament anytime before Dec. 2 or take it to Zorn’s Service Inc. in Ida. Ornaments from previous years also will be hung on the tree.
The contemporary praise choir of Our Lady of the Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Temperance, will lead caroling around the Christmas tree. The choir is directed by Ric Beauch. Dave Stevens will play guitar.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be available during the tree lighting.
Parking is available at the Ida United Methodist Church or at the Township Park.
For more festival information, visit www.christmasinida.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Christmas tree lighting Nov. 27 in Ida
