Community preps for Illumination Celebration

The chamber of commerce invites the community to attend Illumination Celebration activities on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The night will begin with a community church service and combined choir at 6:30 p.m. at Barnesville First United Methodist Church. All churches are invited to participate.The night will continue with community festivities at 7:30 p.m. downtown.The theme this year is A Charlie Brown Christmas.There will be Christmas caroling, dancing, the reading of the Christmas story, the lighting of the trees downtown and the first appearance of Santa Claus. Pictures with Santa will be provided by Reflections Photography.The community and businesses can choose from three contests to enter ‘“ the Gingerbread House competition, the Charlie Brown Christmas tree contest and the Window Decorating contest.Entry forms are available at the chamber, Pastime Grill and Slices Pizzeria.Gingerbread houses and Charlie Brown trees will be on display and available for judging at 217 Main St. Stop by at any point on Nov. 27 before 6:30 p.m. to vote.Participating vendor windows will be decorated in the Charlie Brown theme.Winners for all contests will be announced during the ceremony.The chamber is also bringing back the Christmas merchant passport this year. Pick up a passport at the chamber office, visit participating merchants for holiday shopping and get stamps between Nov. 20-27. Enter the completed passport on Nov. 27 at the voting location downtown by 6:30 p.m. for a drawing for $25, $50 or $100, based on the number of stamps received.For more information contact the chamber at 770-358-5884.