SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKES THIRD ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND OPEN HOUSE
The Willard Companies is excited to announce Smith Mountain Lake’s Third Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony in conjunction with a “Holiday Open House” and U.S. Marines Toys for Tots drive at Westlake Towne Center. New this year is that the three day event will begin on Thursday, December 3, 2009 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and will continue through Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All events will take place in front of Westlake Library and the Retail Shops.
The Blue Spruce holiday tree selected for the event will stand approximately 22’ tall and was picked from Joe’s Tree Farm in Craig County, Virginia. The tree will be centrally located at the retail shopping center and stand in front of Westlake Library at Westlake Towne Center.
In addition to the holiday tree lighting ceremony, the U.S. Marines will be coordinating a flag lowering ceremony in support of Toys for Tots drive. Flag presentation recipients will be Bill King, Former National Commander of the 29th Division Association along with wife, Juanita King, Current Women’s National Commander of the 29th Division Association. Toys for Tots collection boxes will be located inside each of the participating businesses including Inside Out by Kris, Haywood’s Jewelers, Westlake Salon & Spa, Cottage Gate, The Little Gallery II, Smith Mountain Lake Retirement Village (Runk & Pratt), Westlake Library, Kroger, Carilion Clinic and Westlake Cinema. The first 150 individuals who donate a new, unwrapped toy will be given a complimentary ticket to a special showing of “Polar Express” at Westlake Cinema, which is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. immediately following the event. The movie voucher can be picked up at any participating retail store during the night of the event once a toy is donated. Tickets are not available for purchase.
During Thursday evening’s festivities, participating Towne Center businesses will also be offering previews to exclusive holiday gifts while serving refreshments. In addition, a live concert featuring the Smith Mountain Lake Harmeneers, Philip and Tara Bouknight, and Dudley Elementary is scheduled throughout the evening. Holiday photos opportunities with Santa Claus will be available. A breakdown of the three-day event is as follows:
Thursday, December 3, 2009
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
“Holiday Open House”
Santa Claus Visit
Children and Family Holiday Photo Opportunities
5:30
US Marines Flag Ceremony and Presentation
Toys for Tots drive
6:00
Smith Mountain Lake Harmeneers
6:45
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Philip and Tara Bouknight
Dudley Elementary Children Choir
8:00
“Polar Express” movie
Friday, December 4, 2009 and Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Retail Businesses “Holiday Open House”
During the “Holiday Open House,” shoppers can also register at each participating store for a Gift Pack drawing along with enjoying complimentary refreshments. Each store will have entry forms and a list of gifts. One person will win a complete gift pack at the conclusion of Saturday’s event.
According to Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing and Communications for The Willard Companies, “With a number of other regional events scheduled this time of year, we moved the Holiday Open House and Tree lighting ceremony to Thursday night to allow more lake-area families to come out and enjoy a great kickoff to the holiday season. We are really excited to offer a forum for the community to come together, support local businesses, and collect toy donations for a worthy cause.”