Westlake Tree Lighting Ceremony

            Westlake Towne Center will host its third holiday tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3 in conjunction with a business open house and U.S. Marines Toys for Tots drive.

            “We moved it to a Thursday evening so as not to compete with other Friday holiday events around the region,” said Chris Finley, Director of Marketing for The Willard Companies, which operates the shopping center. “We feel like the move will allow more lake-area families to come out and enjoy a great kickoff to the holiday season.”

            Finley said festivities will start around 4 p.m. and will include food and beverages, a concert by the Smith Mountain Lake Harmeneers and a visit by Santa. The lighting of the tree, which will be located in front of the Westlake Library, will take place around 5:30.

            Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will coordinate a flag-lowering ceremony in support of the Toys for Tots drive. The first 150 people who donate a new, unwrapped toy will receive a ticket to a holiday movie showing at Westlake Cinema that evening, Finley said.

            Westlake Towne Center businesses will host open houses with additional festivities throughout the evening. Joanna Hudzik, co-owner of Haywood’s Jewelers, said she’ll invite people in for drinks and refreshments.

            “It’s always exciting to have a chance to socialize with our customers in a laid-back atmosphere,” Hudzik said. “It’s neat to see all of the families come out and enjoy the event together and kick off the holiday season. And it’s nice that they can do it at Smith Mountain Lake and not have to go anywhere else.

            “It’s a good event for the shopping center and a great event for the community.”

            Kris Willard, who owns two businesses at Westlake Towne Center – Interiors by Kris and InsideOut by Kris – agreed.

            “It’s just fun to see all the people come out within the community, and it’s for all ages,” said Willard, who plans to provide refreshments and door prizes. “We’re trying so hard to promote 'shop local' and this is a great way to reinforce that.”