BETHESDA — Boys and girls in this village should be on their best behavior today, because Santa Claus is coming to visit!

Santa will be the guest of honor as the community hosts its very first lighted Christmas parade this evening. Lineup begins at 5 p.m. on Virginia Street. The parade steps off at 6 p.m. near Momma Bea’s Carryout and ends downtown. The Bethesda American Legion Color Guard will lead the parade with the Union Local High School Marching Band, directed by April Linard, playing a prominent role in the procession.

A community tree-lighting ceremony follows the parade at 6:45 p.m. at the Murray Family Memorial Plaza. The Union Local High School Choir, under the direction of Larry Compston, will perform at 6:50 p.m.

Mayor Martin Lucas pointed out that the Bethesda Pizza Parlor will provide free pizza for the band and choir students after their performances.

Jim Ellis, a retired UL music teacher, will lead a community Christmas music sing-along at 7 p.m. Beginning at 7:15 p.m., cookies and beverages with Santa will be served in the Bethesda Community Room, located just across Main Street from the plaza.

The Wood Fired Pizza Company will be set up near the site of all the festivities, weather permitting. And children are invited to drop their letters to Santa in a special “Santa’s Mailbox” downtown. Letter writers are urged to include a return address so St. Nicholas will know where to reply.

“We hope to make this a traditional event going forward,” Lucas said. “This is the first-ever lighted parade and tree-lighting event.

“I want to thank everyone who worked to put it together,” the mayor added regarding the celebration. “I hope everyone will come out and enjoy the evening’s events.”