The Gulf Shores Junior City Council is inviting businesses, organizations and community members to help launch a new holiday tradition with its inaugural Christmas Tree Tinsel Trail at Sims Park.

The festive display will feature a trail of decorated Christmas trees, each sponsored and decorated by a local business, church, civic group, school, family or individual. Organizers hope the display will bring the community together while spreading holiday cheer to residents and visitors.

Tree sponsorships cost $100 and include a Christmas tree and a personalized recognition sign featuring the sponsor's name. Coastal Exposures Landscape has generously donated the trees, allowing all sponsorship proceeds to benefit the Junior City Council's participation in the Angel Tree Program through the Christian Service Center. The program helps local children in need receive Christmas gifts.

The registration deadline is Thursday, Nov. 19. City of Gulf Shores Public Works crews will install the trees, while sponsors will be responsible for decorating them with their own holiday themes. Decorating will take place Nov. 23-29, with the Tinsel Trail officially opening Monday, Nov. 30.

"This project combines community spirit, creativity, and service," Rivers Watley, Gulf Shores Junior City Council member, said in news release about the new project. "We hope to fill Sims Park with festive displays that families can enjoy while also helping make Christmas brighter for local children through the Angel Tree Program."

The Junior City Council encourages participants of all kinds, from businesses and nonprofit organizations to neighborhood groups and families, to take part. Each sponsored tree will contribute to the holiday display while helping support children in the local community.

Those interested in sponsoring a tree can find additional information and register online at www.gulfshoresal.gov/1938/Junior-City-Council-Christmas-Tree-Tinse.