Children of all ages are invited to enjoy holiday cheer at The City of Summerville’s annual Christmas In The Park event in Dowdy Park. Christmas In The Park will be presented to the public on Thursday, December 5 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Santa will arrive at the park at 6:00 p.m. to visit and offer free photos with children. There will be a Best Dressed Elf Contest, Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, Live Musical Entertainment and lots of fun scheduled for the evening. This year’s event will also highlight vendors on site with a wide variety of crafts, food, baked items, and merchandise for shopping.

The official lighting of the tree ceremony is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.in Dowdy Park. The tree will be lit by the winner of The Best Dressed Elf contest, accompanied by Mayor Harry Harvey. Complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn provided by the City of Summerville will be available in the middle gazebo to tempt the taste buds. A Holiday Bonfire will also be on site hosted by the Summerville Fire Department.

Special drawings for a girl’s and a boy’s bike, as well as a Christmas ham will close out the evening at 7:45 p.m. Tickets for the drawings will be available at the big gazebo at no charge. Only one ticket per item will be allowed per person. Ticket holders must be present to win.

Best Dressed Elf Competition

The Best Dressed Elf contest is open to all elementary aged children and sponsored by Summerville Main Street.  Registration for “Elves” entering the contest will be held at the small gazebo in Dowdy Park between 6:00- 6:30 p.m. Judging is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. The contest winner will receive a trophy, be named “Head Elf”, and will do the honors of lighting the official park tree. The tree lighting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest is open to all ages. Registration begins at 7:15 at the small gazebo and judging begins at 7:30 p.m. Plenty of fun and Christmas cheer is expected from this contest, with the winner taking home a $50 cash prize. This contest is sponsored by Summerville Main Street.

Free tours of the Couey House will be given by the Chattooga County Historical Society. The house is furnished in period appropriate furnishing that would have been appropriate of Chattooga County families in the early 1840-1850’s. The house will be adorned with all natural Christmas Decor.

This free community event is hosted by The City of Summerville. For more information on Christmas In The Park and other upcoming events visit www.summervillega.org or visit  City of Summerville Georgia Facebook page.