On Friday, November 22 Alton Main Street will host an event that’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The 30th Annual Community Tree Lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square will begin with the arrival of Santa Claus at 6 PM. The free festivities including caroling, cookies and hot cocoa will continue until 6:45 PM when Mayor David Goins flips the lights on the beautiful tree, which is provided by the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras to take free photos with Santa and costumed holiday characters.

Carols will fill the air throughout the evening from local Girl Scouts troops and the Great Rivers Choral Society, and there will be a blessing of the tree by Brother Joshua Adams. Other speakers include Alton Main Street volunteer Bailey Shaw, Rotary Club President Antione Williams, and Captain Cassy Grey from the Salvation Army along with Chairpeople Dr. John and Barb Hoelscher, who will be kicking off their red kettle Tree of Lights campaign.

The public is encouraged to help the less fortunate by bringing non-perishable food donations to the event, which will be constructed into a giant “Castle of Cans” to benefit the food pantry at the Salvation Army. Bring along gently used coats hats and blankets which will be added to Imperial Manufacturing’s winter wear drive to benefit the Community Hope Center.

The Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program invites you to take advantage of a holiday light exchange, simply bring a burned-out string of holiday lights to be recycled and trade for a new LED string in warm white or multi-color. LED holiday lights can use up to 75% less energy and last longer!

Between the hours of 5:30 PM -7:30 PM, free trolley transportation will be provided between Lincoln-Douglas Square and the corner of 3rd & Belle Streets. Following the Tree Lighting, the public is invited to enjoy free horse and carriage rides departing from the corner of 3rd & Belle Streets from 7 PM -9 PM!
Make a night of it and enjoy the fun activities in the district while patronizing the downtown merchants for your holiday shopping.