By SCOTT MIMS / Staff Writer

The town of Wilsonville hopes to brighten the holidays with a little Christmas spirit at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is set for Monday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

The event will take place at Wilsonville Central Park at the corner of Alabama 25 and Shelby County 61 and will be held rain or shine, as the town will have a tent set up with plenty of hot refreshments for attendees.

“We have our 35-foot Christmas tree that we’re going to put up and light,” said Wilsonville Mayor Lee McCarty. “If we have a little precipitation, it won’t matter. It’s a really nice community event, and we always have a good turnout.”

Entertainment will begin with the Wilsonville Elementary School Choir, followed by Lincoln Byron Thomas and the Official Clutch Band as the main act. The latter is a group with contrasting styles including jazz, gospel, bebop, smooth jazz, Motown, country, top 40, classic R&B, pop and more. Thomas is also an instructor at the Shelby County Arts Council.

“It’s great entertainment that you don’t have to pay for. This is free and open to the public,” McCarty said.

The town will serve coffee, hot chocolate and cider for all in attendance. And, of course, no Christmas event would be complete without Santa Claus, who will be available for photos in his sleigh.

“It’s a great opportunity to come and meet your neighbors and celebrate the holidays,” said Robin Griffin, librarian at Vernice Stoudenmire Library in Wilsonville. “We would love for people to come out and visit our wonderful little town.”

For more information, visit the town’s official website at Wilsonvilleal.com.