100.3 WNIC has begun playing Christmas music.  And . . . our staff met yesterday morning to finalize plans for this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Auburn Hills.  Mark your calendar now for this annual event which generally draws about five hundred people.  It will be held on Friday, December 2nd beginning at 6:00 p.m.  In addition to watching Mayor McDaniel flip the switch to light the tree with three lucky Avondale students, the sidewalks will be filled with people enjoying holiday lights, decorated windows at our downtown businesses, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, holiday music show, letter writing to Santa, wagon rides, miniature train rides, photos with Santa, a tree decorating contest with popcorn and hot chocolate at River Church, and much more.  This is a very enjoyable evening for everyone of all ages and if you’re not in the holiday spirit by then, you will be. 

This year, we are accepting donations in support of the VA Hospital in Detroit.  The list of items you can donate will be posted soon on our City website at www.auburnhills.org. Look for the Annual Tree Lighting announcement on the website and the list can be found there.  Items will be collected in the lobby of City Hall and at the Chamber of Commerce office the night of the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Tom Tanghe, City Manager