HASTINGS, Neb. — News Channel Nebraska is putting one of the state’s premier holiday celebrations in the spotlight.

NCN will broadcast live from the Celebration of Lights in Hastings on Thursday, Nov. 20. The one-hour special will be hosted by Dave Griek, Kent Boughton and Colleen Williams.

The longtime broadcast trio will be set up near 2nd Street and Denver Avenue in the heart of the downtown district. The show begins at 6 p.m. CT and will culminate with the lighting of the giant Christmas tree light display on the Dutton-Lainson building at 7 p.m.

“Celebration of Lights is an iconic event in Hastings and Central Nebraska,” said Michael Shively, NCN Vice President of News and Content. “We are excited to give this spectacle the statewide attention it deserves. Nobody knows it better than Dave, Kent and Colleen. They’re the perfect hosts to welcome Nebraskans into the holiday season.”

The program will include live look-ins to performances on the downtown stage, interviews with local dignitaries, live weather forecasts and segments highlighting local businesses.

The show will be available on all NCN platforms. People can watch it on traditional TV or stream on the NCN app, website or Facebook page.

“The Celebration of Lights is a great event for the community,” Hastings Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shannon Landauer said. “Businesses and non-profits come together for a great evening to kick off the holiday season. At the Chamber and HEDC, our primary focus is encouraging those in our community and the surrounding area to shop in our local businesses for this holiday season.

The broadcast is part of Flood Communications’ broader involvement the event. KHAS Radio is the official media sponsor and program director Brandon McDermott is the event’s on-stage emcee.

The Celebration of Lights has been a Hastings tradition for more than 30 years and draws thousands of people to downtown. It is organized by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce.