Christmas by the Lake set to open this week

HALEYVILLE - One of the most anticipated events of the Christmas season is returning next week.
Christmas by the Lake, sponsored by Haleyville Fire and Rescue, is scheduled to be open by Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the latest.  With the rains last weekend and more rain expected this weekend, firefighters have been delayed in getting all the lights and displays ready.
“We hope to have it open by Monday, Dec. 11, but if not, we will be open by Dec. 13,”  Acting Haleyville Fire Chief Terrell Baccus said.  Baccus recommends visiting the fire department’s Facebook page, Haleyville Fire/Rescue for frequent updates on when Christmas by the Lake will open.
Once open, Christmas by the Lake will  run through Christmas night, Dec. 25.  Sunday-Thursday hours will be 6-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday hours will be 6-10 p.m.
Christmas by the Lake features tens of thousands of beautiful, sparkling Christmas lights on both sides of City Lake, which is located at the end of 20th Street past Haleyville City Schools.  Christmas by the Lake also features beautiful Christmas displays set up by not just the fire department, but businesses, churches, civic groups and individuals. There is still room for any business, church or group to add a lighted display, but they must act quickly.  Interested groups can call the Haleyville Fire Department at  (205) 486-2435 or send an email to haleyvillefire@cityofhaleyville.com.
Santa Claus will be returning once more to his cozy cabin down by City Lake to learn from all the area boys and girls what they want for Christmas.  Santa will be at Christmas by the Lake each night except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when he will be very busy, of course!  All children who visit with Santa will receive a toy, and cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be available to everyone inside Santa’s cabin.
Christmas by the Lake is a completely free event, but donations are always welcomed.  Donation boxes will be located inside Santa’s cabin and near the large Christmas tree down by the lake.  All donations go directly back into the Christmas by the Lake fund to make the event even bigger and better each year.
Baccus noted that for safety reasons, the public is asked not to park at the City Lake Playground then walk down to the lake while Christmas by the Lake is taking place.  The gates to City Lake will be closed during the day until Christmas by the Lake is over, due to past vandalism of the event and other safety concerns.  Baccus apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.