ATHENS — Downtown Athens will be “electric” for the Christmas holiday this year.
The annual North Pole Stroll in Big Spring Memorial Park will have electricity to better light up the array of creatively decorated trees.
“This annual fundraiser is a favorite tradition to many, including myself,” said Teresa Todd, president of the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association. “Hundreds of visitors and residents stroll through our Big Spring Memorial Park (turned North Pole) the entire month of December and I am so grateful that Mayor (Ronnie) Marks and Commissioner (Collin) Daly have provided a grant for Parks and Recreation to put temporary power poles up for us this year.
“In the past, we’ve always used solar lighting, which was good, but we are thrilled and excited to light it up this year.”
Each year approximately 100 businesses, schools, nonprofits and individuals decide a theme and bring their own decorations to their sponsored tree which is provided by Athens Tourism.
There is no charge to stroll through the decorated trees from Dec. 1-31.
The theme this year is “Christmas in Candyland” and sponsors can either use that theme or create their own. Some sponsors also choose a memorial tree dedicated to a lost loved one. Tree sponsorship is $100 and includes an approximate 6-foot fir tree and signage. Tree sponsorship is open through Nov. 18.
To sponsor, decorate, or volunteer, visit www.visitathensal.com/north-
