GLADSTONE — The annual Old Fashioned Christmas celebration returns for another year in downtown Gladstone Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Shelly Claycomb, Gladstone Downtown Development Authority coordinator for Old Fashioned Christmas, said the event will begin with the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The Christmas tree was donated by local resident tKay Thompson.

Gladstone Mayor Joe Thompson will speak and start the countdown during the lighting ceremony.

As the tree is being lit, Claycomb said Santa Claus will head down Delta Avenue in a fire truck to greet residents and take his place at the Rialto Center. Santa will be at the Rialto Center during the event to talk with kids and hand out goody bags.

Next to the tree will be the live Nativity scene.

A majority of the festivities take place along Delta Avenue between 8th and 11th streets, but also include other locations within the downtown area.

Claycomb said 15 businesses and organizations are directly participating in the event.

The public can expect live music at the Gladstone Square, located in the 900 block of Delta Avenue. There will be barrels set up through out the area for warming and making smores.

Some of the other activities people can enjoy at the Old Fashioned Christmas include treats at various locations, face-painting at the Rialto Center, crafts at city hall and Trotters Floral, letters to Santa at Dance It Up, and Mrs. Claus and cookie decorating at Delta Deli.

There are four new additions to the event this year — all coming from feedback after last year’s event, according to the DDA Coordinator Ron Miaso.

This year there will be three face-painters, two wagons pulled by tractors, more Christmas lights along Delta Avenue and an additional fire pit and seating for warming in front of Thrivent Financial, BeYOUtiful Brows and Happy Rock Storage.

The two wagons were provided by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.

The wagon rides will be a little different this year, as well.

Claycomb explained the wagons will follow a loop of Delta Avenue and Superior Avenue from 8th to 11th streets.

Pick up will be at the Gladstone Farmer’s Market next to the Gladstone Square Pharmacy.

The event was made possible with the help of sponsors and businesses directly participating in activities.

The business and organizations sponsoring and participating in the Old Fashioned Christmas celebration include Trinity Episcopal, American Legion, Water’s Edge Chiropractic, Main Street Pizza, Kiwanis, Final Touches Designs, Frame Farm, Wards Auto Body, Thrivent Financial, BeYOUtiful Brows and Beyond, Holiday Gas, Public Health, Delta Deli, Rialto Building, Gladstone City Garage, Dew Drop, Trotter’s Floral, Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union, Rock Electric, Taylored Weddings, Delta County Chamber of Commerce, First Bank, Bay Bank, U.P. State Bank, Iversons, A1 Septic, Dance It Up, Wally’s Bar, Happy Rock Storage, Xccelerate Fitness, Delta Business Solutions, Car Quest, Gladstone Square Pharmacy, and Brampton Bike.

DDA members will be wearing Santa hats and handing out candy canes throughout the event.

“Come enjoy the family fun event,” Claycomb said. “With the improvements made this year, it’s guaranteed to be even bigger and better.”