In this image from Oct. 30, 16-year-old Carter McDonough is aided by grandfather Rick LaMarch to set up the Christmas tree display that has been lit annually in a local yard. Tonight, a festive event and fundraiser will take place around the tree. (Courtesy photo)

SOO HILL — Tonight will mark the 10th year that Carter McDonough, now age 16 and a junior at Escanaba High School, is hosting a tree lighting in his family’s front yard.

It’s a community event that has brought hundreds of attendees and serves as a fundraiser for Shop with a Cop, an event through the Delta County Sheriff’s Office that pairs children with law enforcement officers to go holiday shopping.

When Carter was much smaller, he attended the city of Escanaba’s tree-lighting ceremony and wanted to do one of his own. His father, James McDonough, suggested the event be used an opportunity to help other kids have a merrier Christmas by raising money for Shop with a Cop.

During the first five years or so, the McDonoughs strung lights on a spruce tree in the front yard. But that tree was dying, so after it was cut down, a new structure took its place.

The “tree” that’s been used since is made from the metal base of a trampoline, a tall pole in the center, and many strands of lights.

The event, scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. today, has a full docket lined up.

Santa Claus is set to arrive on a fire truck at 6:40 p.m.

The Grinch is expected to crash the party on a garbage truck at 6:50 p.m.

The tree-lighting ceremony and a fireworks show are scheduled for 7 p.m.

At 7:10 p.m. will be auctions.

Raffle basket winners are to be drawn at 7:30 p.m.

Being donated for the event are sandwiches from D&M Subs, doughnuts from Donut Connection and pop from Bink’s Coca-Cola.

In past years, 100 to 300 people have shown up for the event, which takes place at 5017 View 17.5 Drive, northwest of the city of Escanaba in the Soo Hill area of Wells Township. Carter expects a big turnout tonight for his 10th-annual festivity.