Editor’s Note: The original post included the wrong date. The event is SUNDAY, DEC. 5. Tell your friends!

First, it was the rain that canceled October’s planned StreetFest fireworks show, and now it’s the lack of rain that will do the same thing this Sunday.

A statewide burn ban — the result of hazardous dry conditions throughout the region — has forced organizers of this Sunday’s Train & Tree Lighting ceremony (scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m.) to cancel the planned fireworks display and instead go with a holiday laser show, courtesy of FullColorLasers.com, a Floriday-based company that performs laser shows all over the country. (Examples of their holiday work below)

Kelli Laudate, executive director of Downtown Sanford, Inc., said while she’s disappointed in the fireworks news, she’s excited about the alternative on Sunday night.

“We are thrilled we were able to pivot so quickly and provide the community a fun night with Santa and now a laser light show,” she said. “The afternoon will also include sledding, crafts, food, fun, Santa and lots of holiday cheer.”

The tree and train lighting ceremony returns this year after a year absence because of the pandemic. The event begins at Depot Park at 3 p.m. with a performances from the Sanford School of Classical Ballet, Kelly’s School of Dance, Prime Time Dance Academy, Dancer’s Workshop and Triple Pointe Dance Academy for the first hour-plus. The Tuesday Night Music Club will perform at 4:15, followed by the Temple Teen Ensemble at 5:30 p.m. Santa is scheduled to light up Depot Park after dark and will stay on site to visit with children at the Railroad House Museum.

Face painting, crafts, a story walk and a snow slide will be on site, as well as food trucks and more.