The annual tree lighting will take place in front of the St. Clair County Courthouse.

The third annual Christmas tree lighting, sponsored by the Pell City Chamber of Commerce and The Heart of Pell City, is taking place on Friday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.

The tree is already erected in front of the Saint Clair County Courthouse and decorating of the tree is currently underway.

Entertainment will be provided for guests of all ages. There will be a performance from Julie Funderberg and the Jamison Taylor School of Music. The Pell City Line Dancers and the Pell City Majorettes will also be in attendance.

Businesses will be staying open late following the event in accordance with “open house.” Local businesses will also be participating in a Christmas decorating competition.

Santa Claus will lead the countdown of the lighting of the tree. Santa will be wearing a face shield to be an example of how to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Other restrictions and guidelines will be in order in relation to the coronavirus pandemic. According to Executive Director of the Pell City Chamber of Commerce, Urainah Glidewell, they had to scale back the number of vendors this year to accommodate more spacing.

While Glidewell admits that it has been a challenge this year due to Covid-19, she has confidence in those running the event that everything will go as planned.

One of the coordinators of the event, Gail Benefield, believes it is important for residents to have some fun during the holidays even in the midst of a pandemic.

“Families need to make good memories that will last a lifetime,” Benefield said. “We are asking people who cannot wear a mask or social distance to please watch this program virtually, stay in their cars or stand a good distance away from the group.”

The event will be streamed on the Facebook pages for the Pell City Chamber and The Heart of Pell City.

In the event of rain, the tree lighting will take place under the portico of the courthouse.