MISSION—The 23rd Annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled today, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Leo Peña Plazita. Parks & Recreation Administrative Assistant Jennifer Zamora explained the turnout each year has been successful, and 400 - 600 bags of candy are distributed to attendees.

“We always have a big turnout,” Zamora said. “We raffle off toys and bikes for the children and we have Santa Claus at the park who gives out bags of candy.”

This year, the event includes several different groups providing entertainment. Performances include: Veterans Memorial High School Mariachi, Veterans High School Choir, Mission Parks & Recreation Folkloric Dancers and the Texas Country Cloggers.

Multiple City of Mission crews have been decorating the plazita, putting up thousands of lights and adding final touches since Monday. Trees have been wrapped with white lights, a small house re-painted and trimmed with lighting and Christmas themed figures have been placed all around the park.

Zamora added, the majority of the lighting event is funded by the city of Mission.

“The city provides the candy and toys with our funds,” Zamora said. “Different vendors and companies help donate bikes, but most of the toys come from the city.”