A holiday tradition will continue in Mount Airy this week with the lighting of the official city Christmas tree Thursday night.

The public is invited to the 14th-annual event to begin at 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Municipal Building on South Main Street. It is sponsored by the Mount Airy Appearance Commission.

Eleanor Powell, veteran lifestyles editor of The Mount Airy News, will have the distinction of “flipping the switch” to light the tree this year. Powell, who joined the newspaper’s staff in 1948, also has been a member of the Appearance Commission for 12 years.

The longtime News employee said Monday she considers it “an honor” to light the tree. Powell pointed out that others selected for this role in the past have included actress Betty Lynn, Thelma Lou on “The Andy Griffith Show,” as well as Eric Chilton, a Mount Airy native who is the weatherman for WFMY-TV in Greensboro.

Powell added that Thursday night’s program promises to be an overall treat for young and old alike.

Music will be provided by two groups, The Nonesuch Players and the House of God Mass Choir.

Free hot chocolate is to be prepared by the Beacons of First Presbyterian Church, and Santa Claus will make an appearance and supply treats for children.

Kelly Epperson, local radio station owner, will serve as master of ceremonies for the event at which David Beal, a member of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners, will provide an invocation.

“I’m really thankful to be able to do it,” Powell said of the tree lighting, “because I remember that Susan Ashby came up with this idea.”

The late Mrs. Ashby was a tireless advocate for local preservation and appearance projects who lobbied to have the large oak tree on the Municipal Building lawn saved and serve as a perennially important part of the Christmas season here.

Powell mentioned that the tree filled with its clear lights, another idea of Ashby’s, creates a tasteful display that complements the downtown Christmas decorations. She further praised the roles of Dwayne Carter, a local citizen assisting with technical aspects of the lighting each year, and Dean Brown, who also helps make the program a success.

She added that her role in lighting the tree is part of an overall interest in community betterment, which also includes membership in the Mount Airy Restoration Foundation and in Modern Gardeners, which Powell joined 53 years ago.

Powell said she is looking forward to Thursday night’s event. “It’s a time to see the lights go on and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and free entertainment on a cold winter night.”

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.