University Place Tree Lighting Today

Today, University Place will celebrate one of its largest community events of the year with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Windmill Village.

Activities include children's games and crafts, musical entertainment, a silent auction fundraiser, the arrival of Santa at 3 p.m. followed by photos with him, train rides for the kids, clowns, balloons and demonstrations, culminating with a candlelight parade to Market Square and the Christmas tree lighting.

Also, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., local vendors will be holding their “Get Local Business Fest” festival in Market Square.

According to organizer Pattricia Mannie, the event is a terrific opportunity for businesses to showcase their wares and for residents to get a look at the broad array of businesses in the community. Over 30 vendors will be lined along Market Square (the paved area between City Hall and the University Place Civic Building). See Candy Cane Lane, enjoy hot tea or bid on one of the unique gift baskets as a way to start your Christmas shopping.
 
Mannie thanked the event' sponsors: America’s Credit Union; Albertson’s; Bartell Drugs and University Place Refuse & Recycling.

All proceeds for get local benefit the nonprofit University Place Community Supported Parks & Recreation.

Patch will be there covering the day's celebrations. I'll also be handing out some pretty cool Patch merchandise, so it should be Christmas fun.

(Click on the media gallery to view a flyer with a schedule of events Saturday)