Pilot's RiverLights Festival and Boat Parade - the first Christmas in the City event of the 2005 season - will be held this Friday at Volunteer Landing.

 Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and include music, marshmallow roasting, music, ice carving, cookie decorating and the Golden Ladle Soup Contest, where visitors can sample the city's best restaurants soups and make a donation to benefit the Empty Stocking Fund, a charity that serves families during the holiday season.

The parade begins at 7 p.m. with more than 20 boats decked out in Christmas lights and holiday finery. In addition, the lighted trees that comprise the City's Up on the Rooftops display will be switched on to herald the season. Christmas in the City continues for the next three Fridays with the Celebration of Lights Festival on Market Square, Nov. 25; the Fowler's/WIVK Santa Claus Parade, Dec. 2; and Comcast at Chilhowee Park, Dec. 9.

 For more information about those and dozens of other holiday events in Knoxville visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/christmas or call the City of Knoxville's Office of Special Events, 865-215-4248, for a Christmas in the City brochure.