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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Alabaster is currently preparing a variety of festive events for the holiday season including the fifth annual installment of the city’s water tower lighting which will take place at the city’s new amphitheater.

One of the city’s newest holiday traditions, the annual water tower lighting was first displayed on the grounds of Alabaster City Hall in 2020 and now returns for its fifth iteration on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. alongside a plethora of festive, family-friendly activities.

“On behalf of the city of Alabaster, we look forward to kicking off the Christmas season with our annual water tower lighting and Festival of Trees,” said Morgan Lawley, manager of Alabaster’s community programs.

This year’s water tower lighting will mark the very first time the city is able to utilize its brand new amphitheater which will the serve as the venue for many of the city’s future events.

“It’ll be our first major event to take place out here in this newly renovated space with the amphitheater and the new addition to the senior center,” Alabaster Public Relations Manager Neal Wagner said.

Throughout the duration of the water tower lighting, a variety of live performances by different groups will take advantage of the new stage to entertain audiences in addition to the rest of the festivities planned for the evening.

Children in attendance can look forward to multiple activities, including pictures with Santa, a snow machine, inflatables, crafts, a trackless train ride and balloon animals. A selection of food trucks will also be present for families to grab a snack to eat while they wait for Santa Claus to arrive and light the water tower.

“It’s something that I bring my family to every year and the kids really, really enjoy,” Wagner said. “It’s really grown over the years, and we always get good feedback from the families who come out here and enjoy it every year.”

The Alabaster Festival of Trees will be set up in time for the water tower lighting and will stretch all the way from city hall to the Alabaster Senior Center with an assortment of trees decorated by local residents and businesses. Each tree will sport a different theme as participants advertise their respective organizations and compete for multiple awards with the winners set to be announced at the water tower lighting.

Entries in the festival of trees will be judged and will have opportunity to secure the following awards:

• Most Creative
• Support a College Tree
• Cindy Lou Who Children’s Award
• Best Business Showcase
• Jolly Christmas Tree
• Santa Showcase

Spots are still open for anyone that still wishes to sign up for the Alabaster Festival of Trees and those interested can reach out to the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department at 205-664-6840. Payment to participate in the Festival of Trees is $250 and includes one 7-8 foot live tree with an electricity outlet, printed signage showcasing the sponsors and advertising on the city’s website and Facebook page.

A portion of the entry fee for the Festival of Trees will be put toward a combined effort with Shelby Emergency Assistance and local nursing homes that involves the city adopting several families to purchase gifts for during the holiday season. The trees will be available for viewing until Thursday, Jan. 2.