Plans are underway for the 17th Annual Unity Tree Lighting Event in Fennimore. This year’s activities will be held on Sunday, Nov. 27. It is again the plan to bring Fennimore area residents together to celebrate the joy of the coming holidays and to benefit a local project. The public is invited to support the event by sponsoring a  “recognition” for a local business, a civic organization, a loved one, a friend or a neighbor. This may also be done for an anniversary, graduation, marriage or other special event. The cost to participate is just $5 for each “recognition.”

This year’s proceeds will be given to the Come for Supper project to help with expenses to provide a monthly community meal. This meal is provided free of charge to anyone on in the Fennimore Community School District. This project was started in 2010 and at one of the recent meals, over 300 people were served. It is offered on the third Wednesday of each month at the Fennimore United Methodist Church.

To kick off the Unity Tree Event this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire truck at the gazebo on the Dwight Parker Public Library grounds to visit with the children of the community at 6:10 p.m. Holiday music will fill the air. At 6:30, there will be a ceremony to light the Unity Tree. The program will offer a special thank you to the Come for Supper volunteers for their efforts to plan, prepare, serve and clean up after each monthly meal for members of the community. Mayor Chuck Stenner will be on hand to light the Unity Tree. Following the program, everyone will be invited inside the Memorial Building for refreshments and a program of holiday music and dance to be provided by local talent of all ages. The evening will conclude around 8 p.m.

People from all aspects of the community are encouraged to participate in the Unity Tree Lighting. Even if you choose not to participate by sponsoring a recognition, the public is warmly welcome to simply attend and enjoy the festivities that have been put together for some holiday enjoyment.