Chamber tree lighting going virtual this year

Havre Area Chamber of Commerce will continue the tree lighting ceremony, although it will look different this year, Chamber Executive Director Julea Robbins said.

Normally, the tree lighting ceremony is an in-person event taking place on Thanksgiving weekend. It is usually held in Town Square and includes Santa and Mrs. Clause. Santa talks to the children and then lights the Town Square tree.

Havre High School’s choir is normally in attendance as well, leading in caroling.

Havre Chamber does a drawing for super certificate baskets and for kids baskets at this gathering, which also features drinks and snacks like baked goods and hot chocolate.

This year, the event will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event normally has 150-200 guests which violates Hill County Health Board’s restrictions of gatherings, limited to 25 people or less.

The event will be held on Facebook Live Dec. 5 and the Chamber is not sure what that will look like yet, Robbins said.