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Christmas happenings

By TIMES WIRES
Published December 1, 2006

Christmas is coming, and the goose is getting fat. These happenings will get you into the spirit of the season:

Chamber Christmas Tree Lighting: The annual tree lighting kicks off the holiday season at 5:30 p.m. today , Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 4150 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. The event includes Santa's arrival and caroling. Call 628-5343.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: The Citrus County Historical Society will conduct a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. today in the courtroom of the Old Historic Courthouse, One Courthouse Square, Inverness. Commissioner Gary Bartell will be master of ceremonies assisted by the Rev. Harvey Dunn. Christmas music will be provided by John Edel and the Citrus High School choir, Lionel King on the dulcimer and the First Presbyterian Church a cappella choir. Many organizations participated in the preparation and erection of trees around the courthouse. For information, call 361-6427.

Night of Lights: Enjoy lights, decorations and luminarias throughout the park from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9 at Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S Old Floral City Road, Inverness. Admission fee is a nonperishable food item or a new toy to benefit Citrus United Basket. Call 726-0315.

Children's Christmas Party: The Inverness Elks Lodge 2322 will host a party for children up to age 10 at 1 p.m. Dec. 16 at the lodge, 3580 E Lemon St., Hernando. Santa will be there to share cookies and punch, face painting and clowns. To reserve a spot, call 726-2027 before Dec. 11. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Santa Over the Rainbow: Live music begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 with Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by decorated pontoon sleigh at 7 at Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon. The Clauses will oversee two weekends of musical entertainment, concession stands, handmade crafts in the gift shop, photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and lights from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 10, and 15, 16 and 17. The park will be open for quiet time to enjoy the lights from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, and 26 and 27. Entrance fee is $1; free admission for children younger than 6. For information, call (352)465-8555.

Christmas Celebration of Lights: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20-24 at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, 4150 S Suncoast Blvd. (U.S. 19), Homosassa. The park is decked out for the holidays with thousands of twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. A variety of entertainment will be scheduled and refreshments will be available. Call 628-5343.

[Last modified November 30, 2006, 20:47:33]