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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 7, 2006 Central Point sets Christmas festivities Friday afternoon City will hold festivities Friday beginning at 4 p.m. By buffy pollock for the Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — Inching closer and closer to Santa's big arrival this month, downtown Pine Street will host a holiday pre-game of sorts on Friday with tractor rides, caroling, treasure hunting and the city's annual tree-lighting ceremony. Sponsored by the Central Point Chamber, the city and business owners, the 20th annual Community Christmas will kick off at 4 p.m. at the Grange Hall at the corner of Fifth and Pine streets. Kids can meet Santa, have their faces painted or make homemade holiday ornaments, courtesy of Central Point Parks and Recreation. Hot chocolate and refreshments will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. and hayrides will be given along Pine Street. School District 6 students in kindergarten through fifth grades are invited to participate in a downtown treasure hunt. Participants will be given goody bags with fun center tokens, treats, coloring books, bookmarks and other items in addition to a secret number. Secret numbers can be matched to numbered gift selections at a slew of area businesses. Advertisement The catch? Kids — and their parents — have to hoof it or take a hayride from one business to the next to find the match to their secret number. "We're expecting to have about 700 kids running around," said Jana Haberman, Central Point Chamber office manager. "It's going to be one big party." Following the treasure hunt, a 6 p.m. tree-lighting service will include Christmas caroling by choirs from Scenic Middle School and Crater High. Mayor Hank Williams will officially kick off the holiday season by lighting the city tree at PremierWest Bank, off Pine Street, and saying a few words. Williams promised to keep his holiday speech short, but not without meaning. "Short speech. Won't be very long," he said in his trademark matter-of-factness. "It will be a tad on the religious side. Let's just say, when I'm done, people will understand why we celebrate Christmas. If they don't like it, that's too bad. They can shoot me." Harry Gerhard, owner of the Central Point Farmers Insurance agency, said the holiday event was a nice chance for local businesses to play Santa before the big elf's official arrival. "It gives them a chance to truly find something they want instead of settling for whatever happens to be in the wrapped box," Gerhard said. "It's a fun way to celebrate Christmas with the community and it's nice for business owners to give something back." Buffy Pollock is a freelance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected]. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com