FROSTBURG — Frostburg will be transformed into a holiday wonderland beginning Dec. 1 with the annual tree lighting celebration.
Sponsored by the Frostburg Holiday Lamppost Committee, the event will be held in the courtyard of St. Michael’s Church. Free carriage rides will be offered beginning at 6 p.m. prior to the program festivities. Fire pits will offer refuge from the cooler temperatures and complimentary hot cocoa, s’mores and cookies will be available. Meg Roque will be the emcee for the event that begins at 6:30 p.m.
Quinn Stark, Mountain City Center for the Arts, is helping coordinate the event.
“We are super excited to be a part of this wonderful Frostburg tradition. We will be helping to carry out the event, with our staff members Shelby Herbert and Matthan Potts as the hosts and our other staff, students and alumni will support the performance with music and movement,” Stark said.
Jack Frost is expected to make an appearance, bringing a “blizzard of fun” to the festivities.
The recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Citizen will also be recognized for their commitment to the city of Frostburg. The recipient’s identity is kept secret until the ceremony.
The program will include lighting of candles and a blessing of the tree by Father Scott Kady.
This year’s evergreen was donated by Mike Harpold, owner of Around the Back Chiropractic. Each year, the tree is dedicated in memory of Karen Bingman and her commitment and dedication to the community.
Luke Workman, the son of Ashli and Nathan Workman, will flip the switch to light the tree.
Santa Claus is expected to arrive via the Preston sleigh, which has helped transport Santa to the Mountain City for more than 60 years.
The Frostburg Museum will host an open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 50 E. Main St. One of the most popular museum displays features the Santa suit worn by the late William Preston for more than 50 years.
The inclement weather date for the tree lighting is Dec. 6. For more information, call 240-529-8312.