13 Dec 2011 Greenbrier Christmas Parade, tree-lighting Thursday

The 16th Annual Greenbrier Christmas Parade and fifth Annual Chili Cookoff are planned Thursday.

The events are sponsored by the Greenbrier Lions Club.

The chili cookoff is 4-5:15 p.m. Participants should prepare the chilli ahead of time and bring it to the City Event Center.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Eastside Elementary School.

Immediately after the parade, around 6:40 p.m., Greenbrier will have its first Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. Organizers hope to make it an annual event.

The large Christmas tree is located west of the City Event Center. The event is sponsored by the City of Greenbrier and the Greenbrier Chamber Ambassdors and Jr. Ambassadors in conjunction with the parade.

Those involved in the tree-lighting include Orbin Barnes land owner of the tree; the Arkansas Forestry Commission; McNew Fabrication; Browning’s Welding; city workers; Centennial Bank; First Security Bank; SimplexGrinnell; Southwestern Energy; Entergy; and LifeSong Baptist Church.

After the tree lighting, those attending are invited to the City Event Center for chili and hot chocolate along with pictures with Santa.