From staff reports

Lights are being hung and floats are being built in anticipation of the official beginning of the Christmas season in Ringgold.

Slated for Friday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., this year’s An Angelic Downhome Christmas will begin with a parade of lights along Nashville Street. David Cummings will be master of ceremonies for the evening’s events, and Grand Marshal will be Kim Chapman from WTVC News Channel 9. Parade entries can be made until Dec. 4 at 5 p.m., and registration forms are available at The Catoosa County News, Price Ringgold Drugs and City Hall.

Ceremonies following the parade include lighting of the Tree of Love and Remembrance in memory of Hunter Worley, who died in a tragic accident earlier in the year. For those who ordered ornaments to remember loved ones or to honor special people, they will be available to place on the tree during the park ceremony at 6 p.m.

Other events include the lighting of the Mountain Star in honor of all veterans and the lighting of the Depot Star in honor of all fire-fighters and police. Santa will be on hand at the Depot for photos and a visit with area children.

Musical entertainment beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Depot will include Ringgold Elementary Chorus, Ringgold Elementary Dance Team, Laura Smith, Tiger Creek Elementary Chorus, First Baptist Church of Ringgold Handbell Choir, Lewis Taylor and Friends and the New Bethel Quartet.

Hunter Worley’s classmates from Ringgold United Methodist Church Pre-school will perform at the park following the parade.

Many local merchants will extend their store hours and will be offering door prizes.

A Christmas Bazaar is planned at Catoosa County Fire-Rescue Station One on Evitt Street from 4-8 p.m.

Christ Chapel Share and Care Mission will have hot dogs, chips and baked goods available for sale at the Depot, with proceeds benefiting the mission.

For more information about An Angelic Downhome Christmas, contact Cindy Black at 935-2621 or 935-6156 (evening)