FAIRHOPE, Ala.– Thursday, Nov. 20, the City of Fairhope is set to host its annual Lighting of the Trees Ceremony at 6 p.m. in downtown Fairhope. The event kickstarts the holiday season for the community and downtown businesses. 

Fairhope High School’s band and Ensemble will begin performing at 5:30 p.m. before the 6 p.m. countdown on the corner of Fairhope Avenue and Section Street. Once the trees are lit, soap ‘snow’ will fall from above, and attendees will have the opportunity to take pictures with Mrs. Claus. 

This year, Sally Dean from Ecumenical Ministries will be flipping the switch to light the trees. 

“This is at an effort to educate everybody about what Ecumenical Ministries does and how they help the city,” said Sherry Sullivan, mayor. 

She encourages attendees to bring canned goods throughout the weekend for Ecumenical Ministry’s food bank, which is to be promoted at the event. The food drive will take place throughout the weekend’s holiday events. 

Following the tree lighting, the annual Movie in the Street, featuring “The Polar Express,” will take place Saturday, Nov. 22, at 6:30 p.m. That Sunday is Downtown’s Christmas open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Shops will begin to open every Sunday for Christmas shopping starting that day. 

All community members and visitors are invited to attend the holiday events. Don’t forget to bring canned goods to support Ecumenical Ministry’s food drive. 

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Ecumenical Ministries is a non-denominational, comprehensive social service agency providing aid to low-income families and individuals in Baldwin County, Alabama, for more than 55 years. We address the urgent financial and material needs of our clients and provide a hopeful path to self-sufficiency and long-term economic stability. 

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The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is a member organization made up of local businesses in the cities of Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort, Alabama. It’s our mission to make the Eastern Shore the best place to live, work, and cultivate business. We connect member businesses to the people, resources and tools they need to thrive.