NORWICH – The parks in downtown Norwich will take on a festive look tonight as the Norwich Business Improvement District holds its 12th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in West Park.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a performance on the steps of the court house. Perry Browne Students, led by music teacher Dave Kirsch will perform seven holiday songs for the crowd to enjoy.

“We have more students singing this year than ever before,” said BID Executive Director Pegi LoPresti. Nearly 240 students will take part in tonight’s performance.

Three students, whose names will be drawn at the event, will have the opportunity to assist Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano and Santa Claus himself as they throw the switch to light up the downtown parks at 7.

“This event is held to see the results of Stu Chase’s efforts decorating the parks,” LoPresti said. Chase, a Norwich resident, volunteers his time to the project every year. LoPresti explained that Chase accepts donations of broken lights, fixes them and uses them to decorate the downtown area. “Stu is a volunteer who does this year after year. He was been working to decorate the parks since the conclusion of the Pumpkin Festival,” LoPresti said. “The BID is grateful for his involvement.”