Mayor's tree-lighting ceremony set in GR

Get into the holiday spirit by attending Green River’s tree lighting ceremony.

Green River residents are encouraged to join Mayor Pete Rust at the Mayor’s Tree Lighting ceremony Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the clock tower downtown.

URA/Main Street administrator Jennie Melvin said groups in the community are coming together to help out with this event.

The American Legion is providing the hot chocolate for all of those who attend, while Sweetwater County Library employees are handing out free books to the first 100 children.

Three s’mores stations will be set up throughout the clock-tower area, so residents can make their own s’mores after Rust lights the tree.

“It will allow people to hang out a little longer,” she said.

Children will also have the chance to see Santa Claus as he works his way through the area handing out goodies. Melvin said the children will not have time to sit on his lap, but they will have the chance to see him.

The tree-lighting ceremony is a tradition the city has been doing for years and acts as a kick off to the holiday season.

“I think it should be fun,” she said. “I am excited.”

This event is also acting as a gateway to raising food for the Green River Food Bank. Melvin said those attending the tree lighting are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to the event.

“We are looking for side dishes to a turkey dinner,” Melvin said.

Those who bring a nonperishable food item to the ceremony will receive a raffle ticket at no cost to them.

Raffle prizes include a $25 Green River Chamber of Commerce gift certificate and tickets to A Country Christmas show at the Broadway Theater in Rock Springs.