SML'S FIRST ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING AT WESTLAKE TOWNE CENTER

Smith Mountain Lake, VA (November 12, 2007) – The Willard Companies is excited to announce Smith Mountain Lake’s first annual holiday tree lighting ceremony in conjunction with a “Holiday Open House” and U.S. Marines Toys for Tots drive at Westlake Towne Center. The two day event will begin on Friday, December 7, 2007 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and will continue on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

The Fraser Fir tree will stand approximately 20’ tall and was hand selected from Joe’s Tree Farm in Craig County, Virginia. The holiday tree will be centrally located at the retail shopping center and stand between Good Looks Salon and Davidson’s at Westlake Towne Center. The official lighting ceremony will begin approximately 6:45 pm.

In addition to the holiday tree lighting ceremony, the U.S. Marines will be coordinating a flag lowering ceremony in support of the Toys for Tots drive. The first 150 individuals who donate a new, unwrapped toy during the event will be given a free, complimentary ticket to a special showing of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at Westlake Cinema, which is scheduled at the conclusion of the event on Friday evening playing at 8:15 pm. Collection boxes for donations will be located at each participating retail stores including VitaZen, Irresistible’s, Haywood’s Jewelers, Good Looks Salon, Cottage Gate, Provisions & RSVP, and Davidson’s. Each retail business will distribute a complimentary ticket to the holiday movie showing Friday night with each toy donation.

During the event, the retail shopping center tenants will also host its annual “Holiday Open House” offering previews to exclusive holiday gifts while serving refreshments at each participating store. In addition, the Smith Mountain Lake Harmeneers will be singing seasonal carols beginning at 6:00 pm. In addition, Santa Claus will also be onsite distributing candy canes.

During the “Holiday Open House,” shoppers can also register at each participating store for a Gift Pack drawing along with enjoying complimentary refreshments. Each store will have entry forms and a list of gifts. One person will win a complete gift pack at the conclusion of Saturday’s event.

According to Ron Willard, President, The Willard Companies, “We are thrilled to begin a seasonal tree lighting ceremony for Smith Mountain Lake residents while at the same time helping the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve help fulfill the Christmas dreams of our region’s neediest children. We look forward to bringing this event to the community year after year and will even offer more activities as the program evolves.”

For additional information, please contact Christopher Finley, Director of Marketing at (540) 721-5288 or email to chris@thewillardcompanies.com.

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