On December 25, The News- Reporter will publish its 35th annual Christmas Tree Babies edition. The full color feature will include children born to Wilkes County families during 2008 whose announcements appeared in The News-Reporter. Qualifying families are invited to be a part of it.

Pictures will be made by Mercer Harris at his studio on Friday, December 5, from 9 a.m. until 12:00 noon and from 1:30 p.m. until 4:50 p.m. Parents should call The News-Reporter at 678-2636 to set up an appointment. If arrangements are not made through The News- Reporter, the child's photo will not be included on the Christmas Tree pages. The deadline for making appointments is Monday, December 1, at 5 p.m.

The $35 charge will not only help to defray printing costs but will provide parents with three copies of the special section. For $15 more, an additional color photo package which includes one 5x7, one 4x5, and four wallet-size photographs will be available. Additional 8x10s, 5x7s, and wallets can be ordered at the time pictures are made. Other packages will be available as well.

Because it may not be possible for some to attend the photo session, other photos may be accepted. Submitted photos must be professional quality and at least 4x5 inches in size. Printouts of digital photos are not acceptable but digital picture files may be allowed if of sufficient resolution (must be at least 300 dpi at the size to be printed on the Christmas tree). If photos are not made by Mercer Harris Photography, the cost for participation will be $50 due to additional production and preparation requirements. Parents submitting photos made by Mercer Harris Photography anytime other than the December 5th sitting will be required to pay the regular $35 charge to The News-Reporter. When any special arrangement is made, The News-Reporter will not place child's name on the Christmas Tree list until the fee is paid and the photo is submitted and approved. Any special arrangement photograph must meet the deadline of Monday, December 1 at 5 p.m. We reserve the right to reject any submitted photos.

Also, SPACE IS LIMITED on the two trees. The News-Reporter will give first priority to babies whose parents submitted a birth announcement and also live within Wilkes County. Grandchildren of Wilkes County residents may be included if space permits and a timely birth announcement was run. On November 17 grandparents may call for appointments on a first-comefirst served basis. Deadlines will be strictly observed. Once the trees are full, no others will be accepted and there can be no exception.

The pictures should be available about one week prior to publication. You may pick up your pictures at the Mercer Harris Photography studio and your newspaper sections at The News-Reporter.For additional information, contact The News-Reporter at 678-2636.