Kim Hudson: This is a tree lighting we should all attend

Have you been to 3rd Friday yet?

I hope your answer is yes.

But if you haven’t been – and even if you have -- I hope you will mark your calendar (right now) for this month’s event. November kicks off the start of holiday celebrations and Downtown Salisbury will host the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Friday, Nov. 21, is the date. Beginning at 5 p.m. Downtown Salisbury will be the home to dancing, singing, lights, trees, wreaths, shopping and more.

On the steps of the Government Office Building is where the Tree Lighting program will be held. Presented by Malone Agency Farmer’s Insurance, Scott Malone is pleased to keep this tradition going.

This year’s entertainment will include a performance by local band Anchorlight and Feet of Fire Dance Troupe. Thirty-five downtown businesses will be participating in a wreath decorating contest and you can cast your vote for your favorite one.

Of course Santa will make his annual appearance.

For Scott, the tree lighting is a family tradition. His father would take him and his brothers downtown every year and they would watch from the windows of his father’s office.

Scott now enjoys his own office downtown and loves the nostalgia on the plaza.

After the tree lighting you can find Santa and Mrs. Claus inside First Shore Federal where pictures will be taken. Refreshments will be available and a vintage train display will be there as well.

Then stroll the plaza with your coffee or hot chocolate and visit the stores and galleries. The famous CCART Annual Art Show and Sale will be held in the Powell Building, a Chrismahanukwazakah Sale at Salisbury University Art Galleries and a Holiday Starving Artist Sale at the AIG.

Don’t forget to try one of the many restaurants downtown – there is something for everyone.

As a traditionalist myself, I love how these events bring our community together. I can feel myself getting into the holiday spirit just thinking about it.

And this year – a little birdie tells me – the Courthouse lawn will be lit up too. How exciting to bring together two great traditions – the Holiday Tree Lighting downtown and Winter Wonderland of Lights in the park (I’ll tell you about that lighting ceremony next week).

I hope you’ll join me in thanking Scott Malone with Malone Agency Farmer’s Insurance and all those involved in keeping this Tree Lighting tradition alive.

This year the tree was donated by P & J Tree Farm in Delmar.

So now that your calendars are marked for Friday, Nov. 21, you can visit the 3rd Friday website for more information: http://www.3rdfridaysby.com/ or call Scott Malone at 443-210-2883.

Contact Kim Hudson at tkhudson@comcast.net.