CABA Hosting Holiday Tree Lighting

After a five-year hiatus, the Carrollwood Area Business Association is bringing back its holiday tree lighting.

The event, sponsored by the network of over 300 Tampa Bay business owners, will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Village Center (the northwest corner of North Dale Mabry Highway and South Village Drive).

The free family-themed event is open to everyone, including non-CABA members.

Childrens choirs, Santa Claus, dance troupes, holiday music and children's activities are just part of the festivities.

"It's something we want to put on to give back to the community that has helped us," said Kristin Rink Votta of Fitness Tek, who is on CABA's board of directors for its membership committee.

The event was hosted by CABA in the late 80's and early 90's, and regained momentum this year, said Bob Ahern, a CABA member and past president of the organization.

"It's civic, it's fun, and it's great to see the kids expressions when they see Santa," he said. "It's a community event."

For more information, call Ahern at 813-936-7812, or go to www.usecaba.com.