The 27th-annual Lights of Love tree-lighting ceremony at Vidant Beaufort Hospital begins at 6 p.m. Thursday.
The event, which is open to the public, takes place in front of the hospital at 628 E. 12th St., Washington, then moves indoors.
The celebration will feature musical entertainment by the John Cotten Tayloe Chorus. There will be a special appearance by Santa Claus, and children will have the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes and have their photographs taken with him at no cost.
Part of the Lights of Love tradition is the annual children’s art contest. Each year, Beaufort County students from kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to participate. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place from each grade. One entry one will be selected as best in show. All of the children’s artwork will be displayed along the hospital’s first-floor hallway through the end of the year.
Lights of Love was established in 1986 as a means for members of the community to celebrate or remember loved ones during the holiday season. Today, Lights of Love is a year-round project that allows generations of individuals and families to give back to Vidant Beaufort Hospital while commemorating a variety of creative and traditional events. Donations to Lights of Love are used to fund projects that promote health-care education, improve community wellness, support and enhance patient care and provide amenities that make the hospital more comfortable for patients and visitors. For a minimum tax-deductible contribution of $5 or more, one may honor or remember a special person in their life with a light that will shine on the Lights of Love tree.