It’s that time of year again. A winter snow will be the only thing missing Saturday at Heritage Park for the 13th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Prior to the lights going on in Fayetteville, there will be singing, dancing and a host of festivities beginning at 6 p.m. Unsubstantiated rumors are spreading like blowing snow that Santa will also make an appearance.

Main Street Director Nancy Price said Monday that Heritage Park will be transformed into a Dickens Christmas village, filled with characters from his classic book. Mayor Ken Steele will fill the dual role as master of ceremonies and Ebenezer Scrooge.

The evening will begin with performances by Carla’s Dance Factory, Heritage Christian Church, New Vision Community Church, Christ Church at White Water, the Fayette Idol winner and The Joseph Sams School.

Heritage Christian Church will introduce Tiny Tim’s Celebration of Giving fund-raiser to benefit The Joseph Sams School. This year’s honored guest performing the lighting of the tree will be Fayetteville’s own Tiny Tim, 8-year-old Emma Lee, who is a student at the school.

And in true Christmas spirit, coffee, hot chocolate and Georgia chestnuts will be available to keep everyone warm during the event.

The lighting of the tree will not be the end of the evening for those with Christmas spirit. Contacts at Santa’s North Pole headquarters confirmed Monday that the bearded one will be providing free carriage rides until 9 p.m.

For those arriving prior to the lighting, the invitation is open to visit a Victorian Christmas Open House at the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife House Museum from noon until 4 p.m. Free ornament-making demonstrations and treats for young visitors will be provided.

For further information about the tree lighting ceremony, please call 770-461-6029.

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