The Limestone County Commission’s annual Christmas tree lighting will begin at 5 p.m. today on the east side of the Limestone County Courthouse.

Jamie and Gloria Cooper of ZTV will emcee the event. The Athens High School Choir will perform several Christmas songs. A continued tradition at the tree lighting will be the chance to see snow, courtesy of two snow machines.

Mother Christmas, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will be greeting children. Santa Claus will also make a special appearance.

Area students have created ornaments that will be displayed on the tree. The ornaments will be entered into a contest sponsored by First National Bank.

“We would like to invite everyone to come out and be a part of this wonderful annual event,” said Commission Chairman Mark Yarbrough. “There is no place more special than Limestone County at Christmas time.”