Meridian tree decked out, ready for lighting on Tuesday

Most tree farms in Iowa are 3 to 8 acres in size and sell trees by choose and harvest method, where a customer comes to the farm and cut their own tree.

Here are some highlights, including some that are taking place starting today.

This year marks the 102nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Doylestown and the Friday, Nov. 25 tree lighting event has a few new changes. Coming up are tree lightings, light parades and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“This event is a great way to bring in the holiday season with fun activities for kids and adults”, she said.

There will be a lot of tradition behind numerous events, but also a new tradition in a couple of cities.

The borough tree-lighting ceremony is set for 6 p.m. November 26 at Founders Park, South Main Street and Broadway.

Berry Patch Farm is at 786 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock and will be open from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. on weekends and from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Admission is free and open to the public. There will be performances by the Downtown Players and the Lambertville Brass Band, with the lighting taking place at 5 p.m., including a burst of fireworks and a visit with Santa at the Phillip L. Pittore Justice Center, 25 South Union St. Everyone agrees that it will brighten up the office and make the annual holiday party more festive but no one wants to actually go out and get one. This year’s event is December 2.

Bourne’s previous source had run dry; she tried another Christmas tree farm, but the only trees they had left had grown together, becoming useless. The parade will travel down Main Street in downtown, culminating with Santa’s arrival on a fire truck. It will be decorated with hundreds of ornaments crafted and donated by local schools, Girl Scout troops, businesses and residents, as well as more than 1,000 environmentally-friendly LED holiday lights styled by the Arts Center of the Ozarks.

Santa Claus counts to three as the trees in downtown Elmira’s Wisner Park light up for the holiday season. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

The gazebo in Heritage Park becomes an excellent backdrop for special Christmas photos with family and friends.

Festival of Trees: Presented by the Fabulous Women, this event is a charity fundraiser that includes a tree auction, holiday entertainment, Santa photos and more.

Riley encouraged the community to attend the lighting ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. and will include music from the Slate Valley Singers.

Details: 352-742-6319 or [email protected]. Dress warm and grab your spot, because the tractor parade starts at 6:30 p.m.

Community members will keep warm if the weather is chilly, thanks to the hot chocolate sponsored by Verizon Wireless, which is on the west side of the square.