Holiday tree celebration to be broadcast live on Surprise Channel 11

When Surprise flips the switch on its holiday tree this year residents can watch the action in person or through a live broadcast on Surprise Channel 11.

This marks the first time the city will broadcast a community event live on its channel, which is available to cable subscribers or to anyone with Web access at surpriseaz.com.

The ceremony begins at 6:40 p.m. Friday with Mayor Lyn Truitt and City Council members ushering in citywide holiday cheer. The 28-foot, artificial tree will be set up on the Surprise Recreation Campus, 15850 N. Bullard Avenue, south of Bell Road. Those residents who show in person Friday can also take part in various activities from 6 to 8 p.m., including a "Hot Air Balloon Glow," a performance by the Arizona Skyhawks Skydivers and fireworks.

The celebration is part of the city's seventh annual Surprise Party, a two-day event that celebrates the creation of the recreation campus and Surprise Stadium.

The party continues 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Festivities include an arts and crafts festival, car show, elephant and pony rides, concessions and pictures with Santa.

Participants on Saturday are asked to donate a canned food item, unwrapped toy or child-sized clothing.

For more information: visit www.surpriseaz.com/specialevents.