Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital's annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. today. The event was to have been held earlier this week but was postponed because of rain.

The parade will feature local officials, cyclists, clowns, firefighters and more. Floats will be prepared by several hospital departments, and Santa Claus will make an appearance.

Immediately following the parade, the 25th annual Lighting of the Trees of Hope will take place. The trees are symbolic of the hope that the stigma associated with mental illness, developmental disabilities and addictive diseases will be eliminated. Each light represents those who have suffered both past and present with mental illness, addictive diseases or developmental disability. They also symbolize the hospital’s mission “to assist people to improve functioning, attain more healthy and satisfying lives.”

There will be special music provided by the Just As I Am Choir under the direction of Pat Sweezy. Robert Smyth is master of ceremonies. Refreshments will be served after the lighting.

Both the parade and tree lighting are open to the public.