STRONG – The holiday season will kick off here with the third annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Forster Memorial Building.

Memorial lights decorate the town tree, said Eileen Miazga of the Strong Area Business and Civic Alliance. People can dedicate lights to a loved one, and the names of those being remembered will be read and carols sung, she said Tuesday. Strands of lights for the tree are being sold for $10, she added.

Doug and Sherry Walrath spoke to the children last year, she said, and will once again address the 150 who gather for the event.

After singing some Christmas carols, participants will venture inside for cookies and cocoa, more carol singing and a chance to view gingerbread houses that will be judged as part of a contest. The contest includes three children’s categories and an adult category with prizes awarded, Diana Romanoski said.

The churches in town, Miazga said, Strong United Methodist, Living Waters and the Nazarene Church, have been invited to participate. Cookies for the event are being donated.

Other activities planned include a house-decorating contest, Romanoski said. Judging will take place Dec. 21 with prizes awarded. Those who would like to participate should call Valerie Tucker to register so that judges can view their homes.

The group will also revive a candlelight snowmobile parade on Dec. 31, said Miazga. That event was held during the town’s bicentennial and now there is some interest in reviving it, she explained.