Twinkling lights atop a 30-foot tree in Jordan Valley Park and fireworks at nearby Hammons Field will light up the evening sky during the kick-off ceremony for the Festival of Lights this Saturday, Nov. 22.

The Festival of Lights is a six-week celebration featuring a number of no- or low-cost activities for people to enjoy during the holiday season along with a variety of music and theater performances in the spirit of the season.

The kick-off events are open to the public at Mediacom Ice Park, Jordan Valley Park and culminating with the Cardinals Christmas and Fireworks at Hammons Field Saturday evening. Saturday’s schedule is:

* 4-5 p.m.: Kids registration at the park. Kids in Springfield Public Schools first- and second-grade classes can register to help their class win prizes donated by Jordan Valley area businesses. The classes with the highest percentage of participation can win IPA Educational Supply gift certificates, and tickets to Springfield Cardinals games, Mediacom Ice Park skating parties, and Missouri State University hockey games. A brass quintet from the Springfield Symphony will provide live music before and during the ceremony.
* 5:15 p.m.: Mayor’s Tree-Lighting Ceremony at the plaza just east of Mediacom Ice Park. Mayor Tom Carlson will light an evergreen tree with Miss Merrie Christmas 2007 runner-up Ashlyn Moore.
* Immediately following the ceremony, the Kids Parade will lead the crowd to Hammons Field where the Springfield Cardinals will open the holiday season with Santa Claus’ arrival from the kick-off events, music, refreshments, shopping at the Team Store and a fireworks display. Admission is free. Call 864-1010 for more information.
* 7-8 p.m.: Free ice skating at the Mediacom Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway. Admission is free. Skate rentals at $2.50. Call 866-7444 for more information.

For more information on all of the Festival of Lights events, visit: www.itsalldowntown.com. The Festival of Lights is presented by the Jordan Valley Marketing Council. The Marketing Council appreciates the support of the following primary sponsors: KGBX 105.9 FM; The Springfield Cardinals and Springfield Public Schools.

For more information, contact: Mike Brothers, Special Projects Coordinator, 864-1119; Kirk Elmquist, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Springfield Cardinals, 863-2143; or Louise Whall, Director of Public Information, 864-1010.