Charlie Marshall stands in front of his beautiful tree.

GREENSBORO — Greensboro has chosen its Christmas tree!

After an appeal to the community for just the right tree, the Greensboro Main Street program announced that the city’s official Christmas tree will be donated by Charlie Marshall.

“Mr. Marshall called to tell us that he had another tree he would like to donate,” explained Kendrick Harris Greensboro Main Street Manager. “Mr. Marshall’s Leyland Cypress will make a wonderful Christmas tree for all of Greene County to enjoy this holiday season”.

City workers delivered the tree to the courthouse lawn this week where it will be decorated in time for the downtown tree lighting. The tree lighting celebration will take place on the courthouse lawn from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, Dec. 5.

There will be an old-fashioned hayride through town, and your favorite holiday tunes sung ‘round the tree! Greensboro’s tree lighting event is a family favorite for the Lake Oconee area with an evening of music, food, holiday fun, and of course Santa!

The City of Greensboro reports that it has received a special request from the North Pole for a tractor pulled hay ride escort the evening of the tree lighting. City officials can only imagine that the escort must be for Santa himself!

“We figure with the lack of snow in Greensboro that Santa’s sleigh just wouldn’t be able to make the trip into town,” commented a city employee.

Children, be sure to be in historic downtown Greensboro when Santa makes his entrance at 6 p.m.

Local organizations and non-profits are encouraged to participate in the event. This year Future Farmers of America (FFA) will do its famous marshmallow roast and camp fires, Knights of Columbus will have hot cocoa and cider, Shirley Selman will have her delicious gingerbread houses, there will be Christmas crafts for the kids, knitted gift items and the Liberty Methodist Ladies will have wonderful goodies to sell. Choirs and choral groups are invited to carol the historic downtown throughout the evening.

Greensboro’s friendly merchants are ready to help you get all of your holiday shopping done this season – without the hectic traffic and crowds of your typical shopping mall. Shoppers can take advantage of extended holiday shopping hours on Friday and Saturday evenings from now and continuing through Dec. 23.

Keep an eye on your local news for additional details as Greensboro’s Holiday Plans progress and don’t forget to Shop Greensboro First this holiday season!