The Four Flags Garden Club will host its free 19th Annual Hometown Christmas celebration Saturday, Dec. 4 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at at the Historic Amtrak Depot, l600 Dey St. (off North Fifth Street).

The lighting ceremony this year marks a new era for this annual event. The garden club has replaced the old lighting with energy efficient LED lights — a new look for a new era of being environmentally friendly.

Everyone from Niles and surrounding communities are invited to visit the depot at that time to enjoy the holiday decorations, visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and enjoy homemade cookies, cider and candy.

Club members will have decorated the depot interior and exterior with fresh greens, window topiaries, wreaths and handmade ornaments on the blue spruce tree donated by Durm Farms.
Musical entertainment will be provided by a barbershop style group from River Bend Chorus, the South Bend Chapter of Sweet Adelines International.

Niles Mayor Mike McCauslin will address the group, and community royalty will stop by.
A drawing will be held at 5:45 p.m. for two round-trip tickets, compliments of Amtrak, from Niles to Chicago for two people. The tickets are free and you must be present to win.
The official lighting of the new depot outside lights will be at 6 p.m.

To learn more about the club or maintaining the depot gardens, call Elaine at 683-5292.