One of Athens’ most popular downtown attractions during the Christmas season will return again this year, but organizers are seeking sponsors.

Now in its third year, the North Pole Stroll is a display of live cut, beautifully decorated Christmas trees located in Big Spring Memorial Park in the Beaty Historic District. The 7-foot Frasier fur trees are donated by Lowes of Athens and decorated by members of the community, local businesses and civic groups.

Trees are sponsored by local corporations, churches, civic groups or families and are decorated by their sponsor. Trees can have themes that match the company’s mission or they can be uniquely designed. Each tree has a sign noting the sponsor’s name. Sponsors will also receive logo placement on the North Pole Stroll website.

For businesses that would like to support the event but may not have time to decorate, trees will be decorated by a nonprofit organization.

“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.

Sponsorships are available at $100 per tree. Deadline to become a sponsor is Oct. 30, but Todd said the deadline may be extended into November.

Trimming the trees

The Athens City Parks and Recreation Department installs each tree, which will be ready for decorating after Thanksgiving Day. One condition for the décor is keeping it as eco-friendly as possible.

Any color of solar-powered LED lights may be used. Lowe’s will have a variety of solar-powered LED and break-resistant decorations to choose from. Those lights will be marked with North Pole Stroll stickers. It is recommended that 800-1000 lights per tree be installed and ornaments be secured with some form of strapping. This environmentally conscious framework spans not only the use of solar lighting for the trees themselves but also in the signage and walking path throughout the park.

The North Pole Stroll is open to the public daily through midnight from Dec. 1-30. Admission is free.

A visit from Santa is scheduled for Dec. 16. After collecting letters from boys and girls, he will read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

“This Christmas gift to residents and guests of Limestone County began as a means to bring families together during the Christmas holidays,” Todd said. “Still in its infancy, but already a holiday hallmark event, 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.”

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

For more information, visit www.visitathensal.com/news-blog/2017-north-pole-stroll or call 256-232-5411.