The annual Oak Bluffs tree lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The community is invited to this free event, beginning with caroling at 6:30 p.m. at Post Office Square. The Vineyard Classic Brass Ensemble will perform a medley of traditional holiday carols and board of selectmen chairman Ron DiOrio will officially light the town tree.

Immediately following the lighting of the tree, all are invited to enjoy some special holiday fare at the Game Room on Circuit avenue. There will be plenty of hot chocolate and lots of homemade baked treats supplied by the Oak Bluffs P.T.O. moms. There will be a lively musical presentation directed by Brian Weiland of the Oak Bluffs School music department and the Sting Rays, along with a visit from Santa.

Santa’s visit will have a very special holiday meaning, since he will be there to collect gifts of food for the Island Food Pantry. Everyone who attends is asked to bring a food donation, which will be placed in festively decorated baskets and transported by Santa himself to the Food Pantry in plenty of time for Christmas.

The event is sponsored by several community organizations, including the Oak Bluffs P.T.O., the Oak Bluffs Association, the Friends of Oak Bluffs, the Firemen’s Association, the Oak Bluffs Highway and Park Departments, the Vineyard Classic Brass Ensemble, Brian Weiland and The Sting Rays, Jardin Mahoney’s Garden Center and the crew at Seasons and the Game Room.