Courthouse and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Mountain View celebrates the holidays with light displays and decorations, caroling, a merchant open house event and the annual Courthouse and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 1, 2012.

Part of the statewide Trail of Holiday Lights, the city assists the Chamber of Commerce in expanding the lighting efforts each year. This year, a display set to music is featured at Washington Street Park just northwest of the courtsquare. Visitors will be able to tune their car radios to 106.9 FM to enjoy Christmas music synchronized with the lights.

The light display will first be presented at the conclusion of the tree lighting ceremony, using speakers to broadcast the music. Speakers will be used at the park on Saturday evenings in December to allow visitors to walk around the park area to enjoy the display.

As always, Main Street is aglow, and historic downtown buildings are outlined with white lights. The Post Office, City Hall, and the “Snowflake Walk” at the walking trail on Webb Street are other locations decorated by the committee.

Merchants compete for prizes in the Holiday Window Decorating Contest, assuring that window shopping is more delightful than ever. Some residents go “all out” with displays of their own to make it truly a community wide event.

“Thanks to all who contribute to the many beautiful holiday displays throughout Mountain View,” said Susan Kemp, Christmas Committee chairwoman.

“The beauty of our community during the Christmas season is just one more example of the giving spirit of our citizens.”

Merchants entice shoppers with open house specials and refreshments on Dec. 1. The Baker family – dressed in Victorian costume – will entertain shoppers with caroling in the downtown area.

Around 4 p.m., those who have registered with a participating merchant have the chance to win $106 in a drawing sponsored by KFFB 106.1 FM.

The community tree will be lit in a ceremony on Dec. 1, 2012 at 5 p.m.  The Mountain View High School Band and Choir will perform, as well as Mountain View Ballet and White River Clogging Company.

Stone County Medical Center Auxiliary provides hot chocolate during the evening, and the event culminates with a visit from Santa, who hands out goodie bags to all the children.

In case of bad weather, information on rescheduling will be announced on area radio stations and cable television.

The popular “Caroling in the Caverns” at Blanchard Springs Caverns provides a unique holiday experience. Cavern guides escort visitors into the Cathedral Room where the incredible sound of area folk musicians rises out of the semi-dark. The combination of music and Mother Nature’s acoustically perfect auditorium is “a natural.”

Performances on Nov. 24 and 25 are at 4:30 only. Performances on Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 are at 2:30 and 4:30 each day. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be obtained through the Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 870-269-8068, or 1-888-679-2859.