Editor’s note: Updated to reflect the trees are provided by Lowe’s at a discounted rate and the LED lights are solar-powered, not battery powered.

It’s not looking anything like Christmas yet, but sponsorships are now available as part of the fourth annual North Pole Stroll.

The deadline to sponsor a Christmas tree is Tuesday, Oct. 30. The cost is $100.

Trees may be sponsored by businesses, churches, civic groups or families. Trees may be decorated by sponsors or by a nonprofit organization chosen by organizers.

“Sponsoring a tree is a great way to market your business, boost employee morale and just be creative,” said Teresa Todd, president of the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association, one of the event organizers.

In years past, the live Frasier fir trees have been provided by Lowe’s of Athens at a discounted rate. The trees are then placed at Big Spring Memorial Park, decorated and adorned with solar-powered LED lights.

The public can stroll through the trees daily until midnight from Dec. 1–30; admission is free. The attraction has been selected as a top 20 event in 2018 by the Southeast Tourism Society.

“This Christmas gift to residents and guests of Limestone County began as a means to bring families together during the Christmas holidays,” Todd said. “The Athens North Pole Stroll has been cause for celebration for hundreds of couples, families and those who would otherwise not have the opportunity to share in such a festive manner for Christmas.”

Trees will receive a sign noting the sponsor and the logo of the sponsoring business or organization will also be placed on the North Pole Stroll website. Trees will be ready for decorating by Thanksgiving Day.

Those who enjoy the North Pole Stroll should also mark their calendars for Saturday, Dec. 15, when Santa Claus pays a visit. He will visit with children, collect their letters to Santa and then read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” His visit will last from 5-7 p.m.

The North Pole Stroll is presented by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association, city of Athens, Athens Parks and Recreation, Limestone County Commission and Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful.

For more information or to sponsor a tree, visit https://bit.ly/2ypy4O5 or call 256-232-5411.