FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The city of Fairhope will open the 2007 holiday season with its annual Fairhope Tree Lighting Ceremony tomorrow night. Festivities begin at 5:30 and the lights will be switched on promptly at 6,

This year’s celebration is dedicated to Fairhope resident and J. Larry Newton School teacher Christine Sealy, who is currently Alabama’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

“I believe it is important to recognize Christine for the outstanding achievement of being named state of Alabama elementary school teacher of the year, but also to emphasize to our residents that our teachers are molding the future of our community, and it is important we support them and our school administrators,” said Fairhope Mayor Tim Kant.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be emceed by WABF Radio personality Lori Dubose. Entertainment includes the Fairhope High School Band and Top of the Bay Choir, Fairhope Middle School and J. Larry Newton bands. Bay Shore Ballet will also be performing. And organizers say that Mrs. Claus will hand out candy canes and gathering up Christmas wish lists from children, which she will deliver to Santa back to the North Pole.

This year’s poster artwork is by Amanda Hendrich. Hendrich is fascinated with color and texture and normally layers many colors and shapes. Although her paintings derive from traditional subjects, the artist feels more comfortable with the “twilight zone” approach to art. Hendrich’s artwork most often features animals.

This year’s tree lighting artwork features a special dog in Hendrich’s life named Xena. A display of Hendrich’s art work will be on display the night of the tree lighting at the Lyon’s Share Gallery in downtown Fairhope.

For more information on Fairhope’s Tree Lighting Celebration, call 929-1466.