Raider groups host Christmas festival

The Raider Step- Up and Needy Family committees will host a Christmas tree Extravaganza this Saturday at the South Ward Playground in Tamaqua.

The committees, composed of students and staff of the Tamaqua Area School District, challenged groups and organizations to decorate an artificial Christmas tree.

More than 20 organizations accepted the challenge. Their handiwork will be on display at the playground, located at Oak and Penn Streets in Tamaqua, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Everyone attending will be given a ballot and a candy cane, and the winner will be announced after 8 p.m.

Following the award ceremony, the trees will be raffled. All funds will be used to help those in need.

The event is free and open to the public. There will be free cookies and hot chocolate.