(Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo) Staff Sgt. Derek Lambert and Jennifer Castro start setting up for the City of Kingsford’s tree lighting event planned from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the National Guard Armory in Kingsford. The Daily News will showcase area holiday events and decorations during its Countdown to Christmas. If you have a display to share, take a photo and email to news@ironmountaindailynews.com or submit it through the newspaper’s Facebook page. Want to suggest a location worth photographing? Send it on to news@ironmountaindailynews.com.

KINGSFORD — The City of Kingsford Christmas Tree Lighting Event will be Thursday evening at the Army National Guard Armory, 401 S. Carpenter Ave.

The event is set for 4:30 to 8 p.m., with the tree lighting at 8 p.m. at the armory, where it was moved this year to accommodate more people, organizer Jennifer Castro said. Hot chocolate and treats will be served throughout that time, and there will be games and booths.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck at 5 p.m. Music will be provided from 5 to 6:30 p.m. by the Kingsford Music Department and 6:30 to 8 p.m. by Jim Counter.

Castro thanked the armory for providing the space, sound equipment, supplies. They also will help with setup, running the event and tearing down.

Staff Sgt. Derek Lambert, armory manager and supply NCO, said they have been happy to help. “I think it’s a good opportunity for a community event. It’s been years since the community really used this armory,” he said.

Castro emphasized that anyone who brings a donation for the Toys for Tots box will be entered into a prize drawing to be done toward the end of the event.

The Kingsford Centennial Committee will sell 50-50 raffle tickets for a drawing Dec. 18 and have centennial apparel for sale.

The Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union is helping put together and stuff 400 goodie bags to hand out to kids, she said. They also donated hot chocolate.

“Amanda Bartels, marketing director for the credit union, has given me a lot of good ideas and has been a huge help,” Castro said.

Ace Hardware donated candy canes and coloring books for the goodie bags. CJ Graphics provided pens, markers and pads for goodie bags, as well as plates, cups, napkins and printed posters for the event. Results Broadcasting added boxes of stickers and candy canes and some items for door prizes.

She also noted donations from Grede Foundry, First National Bank, Swanson’s Big Red Barn and Kwik Trip.

After the lighting, the tree will be moved to City Hall.