The Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. Friday on the front lawn of the Philomath Museum. A giant sequoia planted in 2008 serves as the event’s centerpiece attraction.
Nikki Hasley, the chamber’s executive director, said the tree-lighting event holds deep meaning for many in the community while serving as a jumping-off point into the holiday season.
“It’s joy, gratitude, community mindedness, coming together, family — it means a lot,” Hasley said about the event. “It’s a special time in Philomath, it really is. I think it ties everything together of what we’ve been through all year long and with all of the events.”
The evening builds toward the moment when the crowd counts down from 10 and the towering tree springs to life with lights. Hasley estimated the tree would light up between 6:20 and 6:30 p.m.
According to Joel Shonnard, the tree grew 3 feet over the past year and now stands 65 feet tall.
“In Oregon, this is a dreary time of the year, but having lights is always festive and fun and brings a little bit of brightness back to the community,” Hasley said.
The event will feature the Philomath Elementary choir performing holiday songs, visits with Santa Claus, appearances by the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo queen and princess, and Corvallis Knights mascot Lil’ King.
Hasley said the choir will sing upstairs this year to protect the young performers from the weather. “Hopefully that will be a better experience for everybody,” she said.
Santa will make his traditional entrance aboard Philomath Fire and Rescue’s Old No. 1, an antique fire engine. St. Nick will then meet with children, accompanied by the rodeo royalty.
The chamber is asking attendees to bring nonperishable food items. A donation bin will be set up to collect food for Philomath Community Services.
Free refreshments will be available. Rebekah Social Lodge is providing hot chocolate and cookies and the table full of treats will include gluten-free cookies contributed by Eats and Treats.
Shonnard’s Nursery serves as the primary sponsor with additional support from College United Methodist Church, Pacific Power and the Benton County Historical Society.
Hasley said past tree lightings have drawn 300 to 400 people and she hopes for similar or better turnout this year.
