Marion set for Christmas kickoff

City opens holiday season with tree-lighting celebration

ralphhardin@gmail.com Pack up the family and head to the Crittenden County Courthouse the Thursday after Thanksgiving for the official kickoff to the holiday season in Marion. “Christmas on the Square” is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., and there will be something for everyone, including a visit from Santa Claus himself.

The city will flip the switch with a special Christmas tree lighting, accompanied by some seasonally- appropriate Christmas music. There will also be craft and food vendors on hand for shopping and snacking, a kids’ train ride, and more!

Then, to keep you in the holiday spirit, just one week later, on Thursday, Dec. 12, it’s the annual Christmas Parade, at 6:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Christmas Train,” and the community is invited to line up along Old Military Road to see local bands, community groups, businesses and others parade their floats and displays down the street from the Block Street shopping center to the Courthouse.

There’s still time to get involved with the festivities, contact Tracy Brick at the Marion Chamber of Commerce, at (870) 739-6041, or visit www.

marionarchamber.org for more information.