The City of Cookeville will celebrate its 8th annual Christmas tree lighting in Dogwood Park this Sunday.
Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said the city used to do the lightings at CPAC. Woods said former Mayor Ricky Shelton wanted to make the event bigger and more of a community event.
“It’s a gathering place already, Dogwood Park tends to be a gathering place already here in the middle of town,” Woods said. “And when you put up the Christmas tree that makes it more of a gathering place. So this is a great opportunity for people to come to share in the excitement with their family, with their children.”
Woods said the tree lighting ceremony typically sees a large turnout with thousands present. He said this year’s ceremony will feature choral singing, the Cookeville High School band, and more.
In addition to the festivities, Woods said they are also using the ceremony as an opportunity for a food drive. He said they are asking attendees to bring non-perishable food items to help support the Putnam Education Partnership foundation, which helps stock the Putnam County School System’s food pantry.
“I am elated that we were asked to be a part of the event this year,” PEP Executive Director Katelyn Steakley said. “The food from this event will be distributed to the Student Services Food Pantry and the pantries at Upperman High School and Prescott South Middle School. These food pantries work to serve hungry students and their families in the school district. We hope everyone will make plans to attend the event on Sunday and bring food items with them.”
