Community Invited to First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

SEELEY LAKE – The Seeley Lake Fire Department invites the community for the First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at the Fire Hall Saturday, Dec. 16. from 4:30-8 p.m. It's a great opportunity to visit Santa, support the Trevino family and enjoy some Christmas cheer with the community.

After learning about a similar event hosted by the Seeley Lake Volunteers several years ago at Deer Country Quilts, Fire Chief Michael Greer thought it would be a great thing to bring back.

"I decided the department needed something to bring it together and hopefully spark some Christmas excitement. And after a long and difficult summer, the community could use an opportunity to do the same thing," wrote Greer in an email. "Since it was the regular movie night anyway, it seemed like the perfect opportunity."

After getting a permit from the Seeley Lake Ranger District, "Grandpa Jim" Sackett and Greer along with their wives Marsha and Amanda cut the Christmas tree off Forest Service land on Morrell Creek Road.

Lights, gifts and decorations are being provided by a combination of the fire company and many sponsors.

The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. with a bonfire, games with prizes and face painting. The Seeley-Swan High School choir will sing carols.

Burgers, hot dogs, chips, coffee, cocoa and soda will be served around 5 p.m. Silent auction items will be available for bid and raffle tickets for the pedal car, 53-inch bear and sack of goodies will also be available. Proceeds benefit the Trevino family, whose three-year-old daughter Addy is fighting a brain tumor.

The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a brief presentation. Santa Claus and his helpers are anticipated to arrive shortly after the presentation cued by the Seeley-Swan Choir singing "Here Comes Santa Claus."

Once Santa arrives, there will be the count down for the tree lighting. Addy Trevino will light the tree with Santa's help. Once the tree is lit, Santa will retire to his village in the fire engine bay and start listening to children's Christmas wishes and handing out goodie bags.

Following Santa's visit (around 6:30 p.m.) the double feature movie will start. "The Grinch" and "Frosty the Snowman," both classic animations, will be shown on the big screen. Everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite chair or blanket and enjoy.

"The amount of excitement and enthusiasm I have seen for this event as I have talked to people and invited sponsors has been awesome," wrote Greer. "I really think it is going to be a great hit with a great turnout!"