North Columbia residents welcome the arrival of the Holiday Season on Saturday, December 5, with the lighting of the community’s 22nd Annual Christmas Tree. The HolidayFest begins with a holiday shopping experience featuring hand– made crafts and holiday decor created by local artisans at 3 pm. The afternoon event will culminate with the flip of the switch by neighborhood children in the historic Battiste Plaza in the Eau Claire Town Hall Complex at 5:30 pm.

On the program are the Eau Claire High School Trombone Choir, the Lorick Park Divas Praise Step Team, and the Eau Claire High School Dance Ensemble. Pastor Ron Brown of Ascension Lutheran Church and Barry Shirley of Eau Claire Presbyterian Church will lead in caroling on acoustic guitar and bass. Area pastors and community residents will also take part in the program.

Following the Tree Lighting, visitors are invited for refreshments and entertainment in the Eau Claire Print Building.

For more information contact Becky Bailey at 454-0088 or visit the web site at www.eauclairecommunity. org.