EAST SPENCER — The town of East Spencer will host its first Christmas tree lighting ceremony today and those in attendance can also enjoy holiday carols, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa Claus.

The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the ceremony to take place at 201 S. Long St., beside the East Spencer Fire Department.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to this new initiative to get into the holiday spirit,” said Mayor Barbara Mallett.

“I encourage everyone to join us in the tree lighting ceremony and get to know your neighbor,” she said.

Also during the event, the East Spencer Fire Department will have an open house to show the recent repairs the station has undergone. The open house is themed, “bring unity into our community.”

Fire Chief Josh Smith will take those interested on a tour of the fire house.

“East Spencer Fire Department has an array of history that dates back to the early 1900s and the fire department would like to share this with our community,” Smith said.

The fire department will have pictures with Santa available and will give candy canes.

The town board also plans to share the holiday spirit with another small town, Princeville, who suffered tremendously on Oct. 10 during Hurricane Matthew.

Princeville was settled by freed slaves in the late 1800s and is 75 miles east of Raleigh.

The East Spencer board of aldermen are collecting donations at the event to share with the Princeville community.

Contact the East Spencer town hall for more details at 704-636-7111.

— Shavonne Walker