Annual Tree Lighting on Sunday

The following was submitted by the Reading–North Reading Chamber of Commerce:

The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce’s Sixth Annual will take place this Sunday, November 27, 2011, from 2:30 – 4 p.m.  Santa will be escorted by fire truck from Reading Cooperative Bank to light the town Christmas tree at 4:30 pm.  

“We are very proud to host this growing event for the community of North Reading,” said Irene Collins, Executive Director of the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce.  “This is when you see the positive outcome of buying locally.  The businesses can give back and support this wonderful town tradition when people choose to buy local in North Reading!”

The festival will take place around the Town Common including visits and photos with Santa at Reading Cooperative Bank and holiday activities around the Common. The North Reading Fire Station will be open collecting Toys for Tots so bring a new, unwrapped toy.  A trolley will be running between the bank and the Sr. Center at the top of the Common and sponsors include Century 21 Spindler & O’Neil, , , , , Latham Law Offices, LLC., , , Reading Municipal Light Department, , , The Savings Bank and . 

Warm up under a tent on the Common with cocoa, munchkins and cookies donated by the Horseshoe Grille, Dunkin Donuts and Stop N Shop. Girl Scout Troop 73897 will be holding their annual bake sale, so make sure to bring home a treat. Children can get candy canes from Century 21 Spindler & O’Neil and Cervizzi’s Martial Arts, Bounce on a Jumpy Castle donated and sponsored by Kids Stuff Amusements and enjoy performances by Cervizzi’s Martial Arts, East Coast Dance Center, and holiday carols sung by the and Elementary School Choruses.

Many favorite characters will be out and about to greet festival goers.  See Elmo, Rudolf, Tigger and Frosty the Snowman sponsored by Burbank YMCA, , Starlite Car Wash and Ipswich River Engineering.  Pablo the Penguin will make a guest appearance at Ryer’s Store where you can sing carols, enjoy hot cider and warm yourself by the outdoor fire. Other festival sponsors include Advanced Photo, Bob Cat of Boston, Center Eye Care, Diccio Landscaping & Irrigation, Vardaro Electrical Contractors and .

The Historical and Antiquities Society will celebrate a Victorian Christmas Faire at the Putnam House during the festival.  Tractor hay rides sponsored by M.G. Hall Contractors will run between the library and the historical center where the Minit and Militia will open the Flint house and Schoolhouse.  Friends of the will be selling note cards and children’s books outside the library.

John Murphy, festival chairperson and Chamber board director is happy to see the festival keep growing.  “We’ve worked very to plan this special event for the families of North Reading. We are very grateful to our membership for their contributions and participation.”

The Chamber of Commerce is accepting donations from both businesses and residents to purchase more lights and to defer the cost of the festival, which runs around $5,000 annually.  A North Reading Holiday Lighting fund has been established at Reading Co-operative bank.  If you are interested in making a donation please make your check out to the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce and send it directly to the North Reading Holiday Lighting Fund, c/o Reading Cooperative Bank, 170 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864.

The Reading Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1989 and merged with the North Reading Business Association to form the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce in January 2000.  With nearly 300 members, the Chamber provides them with networking, educational and promotional opportunities.  The Chamber is dedicated to its members’ success and encourages participation in Chamber programs and events.  For further information or to become a member, visit the Chamber website or call Executive Director Irene Collins at 978-664-5060 or 781-944-8824.