LONGVIEW, Texas — The city of Longview will kick off the holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting event on Saturday.
The Downtown Longview Christmas tree stands nearly 24 feet tall and will not only brighten the downtown area but it will also help local businesses with a boost in their sales this weekend.
"Our goal is to be able to bring people downtown and not just experience this event, but really see what all is happening here in the heart of the community," said Shawn Hara, director of community destinations of Longview.
The heart of the community is made up of small businesses like Wild Honey Creamery.
The owner, Macy Bannert said because ice cream is seasonal, they depend on events like this to bring traffic in.
"Any events that bring people downtown definitely boost our sales and bring the community into us where we can serve them like we'd like to," Bannert said.
Bannert started her business just before COVID and said the community support has helped them survive.
"We love being a part of hosting those events. We love being here to support them in any way that we can," Bannert said.
Co-owner of Greenside Beverage Company Hudson Johnson said the Longview community's support means a lot to him.
"You've got to build up your local scene, you've got to you've got to support the small businesses," Johnson said.
Building up the local scene is what Johnson is aiming to do. With his business only being open up a little over a year, events like the Christmas tree lighting ceremony help the small businesses get more exposure.
"I can't tell you how many people walk in on those nights," Johnson said. "The more support we get the better, because this money stays in the community."
Hara said this event is a great opportunity for locals to visit the businesses in the heart of Longview.
"Not just host events, but also come alongside and meet the needs of the businesses that are that are making our downtown, a unique local location," Hara said.
The Downtown Longview Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Sat., Nov. 18 from 4 to 8 p.m.
For more information about the event, click here.