Brownsville kicks off the holidays with new traditions

Brownsville will kick off the holiday season Thursday, November 29, with a plethora of events planned for the whole family. Among the activities are the lighting of the community Christmas Tree, a visit from Santa, opening of this year’s Festival of Trees, Brownsville – Let it Shine Church Illumination and Thursday Night Shop Hop.

Parade Grand Marshal Carolyn Flagg
will throw the switch to
illuminate the tree.

For the first time in many years, an official tree lighting will signal the start of the holiday season in Brownsville. City and County officials will join the chamber and business association to mark the beginning of what is hoped to become a long-standing tradition.

"The tree is something we have talked about for over a year and I'm excited to see it happening," says Chamber President Clinton Neal. "We also have lots of other fun activities planned and hope everyone will come out for an evening downtown."

According to Neal, the tree will be approximately 18 feet tall and will stand at the front of the courthouse. The lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., and includes a performance by the Haywood High School Show Choir.

Area children are invited to stop by and visit with Santa inside the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera to be sure and capture the moment. Kids will also be able to drop off their letters to Santa at a special mailbox located at Morris Jewelers. Santa will return to Brownsville every Thursday night until Christmas.

Area clubs and organizations, along with local businesses, will display themed Christmas trees for public viewing beginning Thursday evening as part of the Brownsville Exchange Club’s “Festival of Trees.” Enjoy hot chocolate and other goodies while browsing the displayed trees inside the courthouse. The exhibits will remain open during regular business hours through December 5.

Local churches will show off their beautiful stained glass windows during a “Church Illumination” walking and driving tour of downtown churches from 5-7 p.m. This is a new Brownsville – Let it Shine event presented by the Tennessee Downtown – Brownsville Steering Committee.

Sixteen local merchants will remain open until 7 p.m., for shopper’s convenience beginning Thursday, November 29, and continuing on Thursday evenings through December 20.

"We're happy to be teaming with the Chamber this year," says Kenny Ellington, president of the Brownsville Business Association. "It's given us an opportunity to bring back Thursday night shopping and build some new traditions."

The “Thursday Night Shop Hop”  kicks-off the beginning of the Brownsville Business Association’s Shop Brownsville First campaign. The campaign allows shoppers to make local purchases during a time more convenient for them and to register for great prizes. The big prize giveaway will take place December 20, 7 p.m., on the courthouse lawn.

Haywood County's Youth Leadership class will be offering free gift wrapping to anyone presenting a local receipt on November 29. The Youth Leadership class will be set up at Insouth Bank from 5-7 p.m.

For more information about these or other upcoming events, contact the Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, 731-772-2193, Brownsville Business Association, 731-780-5144, or visit www.ShopBrownsvilleTN.com.