Dec. 3 marks Snake River Travel Plaza’s third annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Despite the name, you’ll find much more than just a big, green Christmas tree at the 6 p.m. event.
All ages are welcome to see Santa himself make an appearance. Additionally, there will be an 8-foot-tall Santa’s Mailbox for kids to put letters to Santa in. Personalized responses from Santa can be expected by Dec. 20 for letters with a return address included. Last year over 2,000 letters saw a response.
“It is a fun and great opportunity for us to give back to the community,” said Lori Cox of Snake River Travel Plaza. “Last year we had several businesses, families, and groups contact us wanting to sponsor a letter. When we received a letter in the mailbox showing a need, we had a network of community members willing to step in and help. We were able to see a lot of anonymous service done to help a lot of families. “
All decorations, including Santa’s Mailbox that plays music upon a letter dropping in, were made locally. This year a large switch has been added that the Holiday Cheermeister will flip. It will turn on the tree’s lights and all the lights to the City of Blackfoot.
“Prior to the ceremony,” Cox said, “we talk to all the elementary schools in the community so the kids can create ornaments that we will pick up and hang on the tree. This is our favorite part of the event. We love seeing how excited the kids are the night of the tree lighting, telling their parents that they created the decorations for the tree, and trying to find it to show them.”
The ceremony saw about 200 people attend last year and Cox hopes to see even more this year.
“Our hope is that it becomes a tradition and an event that people look forward to every year.”
A free hot cocoa bar will follow the lighting.