The leaves are falling but it might as well be snow as far as the Billerica Holiday Festival Committee is concerned as Committee members are busy with preparations for this year’s festival

The Billerica Holiday Festival continues to delight people of all ages from surrounding towns during the season of enchantment and celebration.  Since last spring, Committee members have been busy with preparations for this year’s festival. According to Mike O’Brien, Chairman of the Holiday Festival Committee, “During these difficult economic times we think it is extremely important to provide these free events that can be enjoyed by the entire community.”

Since it began in 1997 as an event to raise the needed funds for the lighting display on the Town Common, The Festival has grown into a popular annual event not only in Billerica but the entire Merrimack Valley! Running from mid-November to mid-December, a seasonal collection of holiday items (trees, baskets, etc), donated by the businesses, organizations, schools and families who make up the Billerica and surrounding community, are on display in the Billerica Public Library. One can stroll through the library to view the breathtaking displays and, at designated times; raffle chances for all the items are available for purchase.

Traditionally, at the public tree lighting ceremony, Santa and many of his friends, such as Rudolph and Frosty-The-Snowman, arrive on a Billerica Fire Truck with blaring sirens and flashing lights! Following the ceremony, Santa is available to greet the youngsters. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday December 5^th at approximately 5:00pm on Billerica Common, with entertainment on the steps of the Billerica Public Library beginning at 4:30pm.

As in the past few years, when purchasing a sheet of raffle tickets ($5.00 for 21 raffle tickets) AAA members, showing their valid membership card at the time of purchase, can receive a bonus benefit of five additional raffle tickets at no charge.

Get into the spirit of the season and visit the creative displays at the Billerica Public Library.  And for a fun family activity, take in the Billerica Town Common Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 6th.

The Holiday Display runs from November 21st, 2009 through December 13^th, 2009 at the Billerica Public Library (Concord Road, Billerica, MA – conveniently located in the Historic Town Center of Billerica). For more information, check the Festival website: www.billericaholidayfestival.org    Raffles will be sold, at the library, during the following times:

Happy Holidays and hope to see you there!