The third annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting Festival and Children's Christmas Card Competition will be held Sunday, December 14 in the Hatzis Super Market car park, across from the store.

The free festival will include the official lighting of the gaily-decorated tree by Gouves Mayor Yiorgos Nikolakakis; music and Christmas carolling by the Iraklion School of Music; a visit by Santa Claus, and Helen the Clown, and the judging and awarding of prizes for the children's Christmas card competition.

Organized by The Khronicles and co-sponsored by many of the shops and businesses within the Gouves Township, this year's festival is expected to draw a record number of local families. Last year's celebration was attended by more then 200 children and parents.

The festivities will begin at 5 pm. with the music and carolling.  Complimentary sweets and refreshments will be available.

As the highlight of the evening, children are invited to participate in a competition to create their own Christmas card, with the theme: "What Christmas means to me."

Winners will be chosen from three age groups: 6 and under, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12.

Up until December 8, participants can bring their cards to The Khronicles office, Paperworld Bookshop, and Playland-Γιούπι, Kokkini Hani; Manos Super Market, Ano Gouves; Oscar DVD, Kato Gouves and Our Corner Bookshop, Gournes.

All entries will be judged by noted local artists Ellen Weijers-Gigourtaki and Eleni Hrisou on creativity and originality, and prizes for first, second and third places in all age groups, as well as several honorable mentions, will be awarded.

Following the competition, Mayor Nikolakakis will officially light the tree, which will remain lit until after the New Year for all to enjoy. Following the lighting ceremony, Santa Claus will make his appearance with a bag full of gifts for all kids.