The number of trees for "The Parade of Trees," to be decorated and placed along both sides of Broad Street in downtown Southern Pines now total 46, far more than the 30-odd last year.

The completion of a Southern Pines Appearance Commission project of replacing existing metal light poles with new black, more historically accurate ones.

Adding light poles to the downtown business area has enabled a new look to sprout up downtown in time for this Christmas season. The Town Council appropriated money to purchase and place additional poles in each block.

The area extends from Connecticut and Massachusetts Avenues on both sides of Broad Street, also West Pennsylvania between Broad and Bennett Street, where the new and additional poles are located.

Sponsors can still purchase several trees to be decorated and placed in front of their downtown business locations, for $55, to include a 15-foot outdoor waterproof extension cord for the electric lights.

Southern Pines Business Association volunteer Greg Zywocinski is spearheading the sales for the trees to the sponsors, who commit to having one placed in their allotted space next to a pole opposite their shop or business, and decorating it just prior to Thanksgiving.

The town will provide labor to set up the trees and handle electrical service preparation from the light poles.

Zywocinski told the Business Association at a meeting recently that the plan is for him to light up at dusk all 46 decorated trees, on Nov. 24.

The annual Business Association-initiated sponsorship is a tradition for downtown businesses.

Downtown poles have already been decorated with wreaths and red ribbons by the Town of Southern Pines.

First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for decoration, theme, and style, he said.

The Business Association sponsors the tree parade, that starts a series of special events this year for the holiday season, right up through mid-December, sponsored by different businesses and under the Association's auspices.

To inquire about sponsoring a tree downtown or for more information call Zywocinski at 692-6968, or Jim Lawson, at 246-0833.