The Athens-Limestone Beautification Board is asking the community to contribute to the Christmas decorations on the square and around Athens.

The biggest addition to the town Christmas festivities will be a large Christmas tree lighting on the square.

“I think this, like the Singing on the Square, will peek the interest of the people throughout the county to see what all we’re doing throughout the city to maintain our autonomy as a town,” said David Seibert, Limestone County Commission chairman.

Seibert said he would be working closely with members of the Beautification Board to set up a Spirit Committee in mid September to begin planning for the Christmas decoration of the square.

The County Commission and county maintenance workers put lights and wreaths on the courthouse and square. The Beautification Board sets aside funds for Christmas decorations every year from money raised at the Dogwood Festival. However, they are still requesting additional donations from the community, as well, said Lynne Hart, executive coordinator of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful.

“We plan to light [the tree] at the Christmas parade maybe,” said Seibert. “We want to make it sort of a big event, like in other places.”

The Christmas parade usually starts at Athens High School, winds around the square then down Jefferson Street.

“It’s a pretty large parade. We thought that would be an appropriate time for the lighting,” said Seibert. “It would encourage people to shop in the businesses on the square.”

Hart and Seibert said several community members have been talking about a Christmas tree lighting on the square for a while.

“We would hope to get a tree donated from somebody,” said Seibert. “I think this would be something we could do every year and it would be a pretty neat thing.”

The Beautification Board is a working board under Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful. For more information on how to donate to the Christmas decorations fund contact Linda Baggett, chairman of the Beautification Board at the KALB at 233-8728, or e-mail KALB@pclnet.net. Visit KALB online at keepathenslimestonebeautiful.com.