From Lakeland City Hall to the IH Clubhouse and up and down Canada Road, festive decorations signal it’s holiday time in the City.
Public Works crews have been busy throughout the City, with banners, wreaths and lighted snowflakes on Canada Road. The interstate bridge railing at I-40 and Canada Road is festooned with garland and red bows.
A wreath adorns the City Hall sign with lighted snowflakes in the parking lot, outdoor wreaths and an indoor decorated tree.
Red bows and wreaths embellish the two gateway signs as well as the tennis courts.
Emily Harrell, Lakeland city engineer, said, “Crews got the decorations out of storage last week and prepped to be put out. The City had one public works crew hanging banners, snowflakes, and wreaths on Canada Road, another crew installing the City Christmas tree at IH, and office staff putting up other décor at City Hall, IH and Senior Center. City staff is full of Christmas spirit!! And the crews have done a great job.” 
The outdoor tree at the IH Clubhouse, 4523 Canada Rd., has been readied for Santa’s visit Friday night (12.6.19) for the annual tree lighting and Christmas Festival from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
The free event will have a Polar Express theme and Lakeland children are invited to wear their favorite PJs and take a journey on the Polar Express, said Kim Odom, special events coordinator for Lakeland.
Santa is expected to arrive by 6:15 p.m. to light the outdoor tree with his Christmas magic. Afterwards, Santa will set up shop inside IH Clubhouse, to meet the good little girls and boys of Lakeland and hear all their Christmas wishes.
The Hot Chocolate Station will be sponsored by Keep Tennessee Beautiful (KTnB) with the Lakeland Starbucks providing hot water, cups and lids. KTnB will give books to the children and gloves to adults, as long as they last.
Polar Express movie characters will be on hand along with volunteers as elves, reindeer and pajama-clad, said Mrs. Odom.
More fun will include crafts and balloon magic by Mr. Mike the Balloon Man. “Children can make a Christmas Wish List to hand-deliver to Santa,” said Mrs. Odom.
“Join us as we celebrate Christmas time in the City of Lakeland. Parking will be available at First Baptist Church of Lakeland (across the street from IH) and in the new gravel parking lot. Shelby County Sheriff’s Officers will be directing traffic. For more information, call Lakeland City Hall at 867-2717.
Rain will cancel the outdoor tree-lighting, said Mrs. Odom.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
