NEW — 4:45 p.m. Nov. 24, 2014
Contributed
This 20-foot tree will make a valiant appearance at the Newcastle Fruit and Produce’s holiday event Nov. 26.
The Newcastle Fruit & Produce stand will host the community’s second annual tree-lighting ceremony Nov. 29.
The special event features a 20-foot noble fir shipped from Oregon. A Very Newcastle Christmas Celebration begins at 7 p.m. with the tree lighting at 8:30 p.m.
“We want to make sure the whole community knows they are invited to this free event,” Dave Franklin, co-owner of Newcastle Fruit & Produce, said.
Along with community volunteers, this year, members of the city’s Community Activities Commission are lending their support to the tree lighting.
“We couldn’t pull this off without the help of the volunteers and local business sponsorship support,” Franklin said.
Live reindeer from a farm in Eastern Washington will be on site at the stand for a month. Santa Claus will also make an appearance Nov. 29, and he’ll be happy to pose with families for pictures. A photographer will be there; parents can get copies online after the event.
United States Marines will accept toys from anyone who wishes to donate to Toys for Tots, a United States Marine Corps Reserve program that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts.
There will also be a Christmas choir from Liberty High School, wine tasting, hot cocoa, cider, baked treats and roasted chestnuts.
“We encourage families to bring the children as this will be an event where memories are made,” Franklin said.
Members of the Newcastle business community are helping sponsor the event. The stand is on the corner of Newcastle Way and Coal Creek Parkway.
Franklin and Daumu Maples are co-owners of Newcastle Fruit & Produce LLC. They have been part of the Eastside for 22 years. Both have a background in the produce business, starting at Seattle’s Pike Place Market.