The Rocket City Trash Pandas are asking fans to help name their mascot. People can go to www.trashpandabaseball.com and choose between six names. The new mascot will be reveled at Friday’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Bridge Street. CONTRIBUTED

HUNTSVILLE – Santa will have some help this year ushering in the Christmas season, at least at one nearby location.

Bridge Street Towne Center near Madison will kick-off to the holiday season Friday, Nov. 22, with their annual holiday “Lights Up” holiday tree lighting event.

The shopping complex will light up like a winter wonderland to welcome Santa. The crowd will enjoy live music from local band Big Daddy Kingfish, lighting of the 45-foot Christmas tree, the arrival of Santa Claus, and a fireworks display choreographed to holiday music.

Joining Santa this year will be a new arrival to the Madison area, the Rocket City Trash Panda mascot will make its debut at the holiday tree lighting.

“The Rocket City Trash Pandas are truly honored to take part in this North Alabama holiday tradition,” said President and CEO Ralph Nelson. “As our gift to the community, we are presenting…or should I say, ‘unwrapping’ our mascot.”

Festivities run from 4:30-7:00 p.m., with the tree-lighting at 6:15. The mascot of will be revealed just prior to the lighting – and Santa has asked if the Trash Panda can assist lighting the tree.

Season ticket holders and other Trash Pandas Nation members received a ballot via email to vote for one of six names: Apollo; Buzz; Cosmo; Crash; Jetson; and Sprocket.

Fans who wish to vote but do not receive an email ballot can receive one by signing up for the Trash Pandas Nation online at www.trashpandasbaseball.com.

“After the success of the fans’ voting on the name of our team, I can’t wait to see what name they choose for our mascot,” Nelson said.

Following the tree-lighting ceremony, the mascot will sign autographs in the Trash Pandas Emporium, the official store of the Rocket City Trash Pandas, at the foot of the bridge.

Fans have bought more than $1.7 Million in licensed Trash Pandas merchandise in just one year, setting Minor League Baseball sales records. The Emporium, which follows Bridge Street’s holiday schedule, is also the official outlet for season tickets. About 250 full season tickets remain.

The Trash Pandas mascot and costume was designed by San Diego-based Brandiose and created by Custom Characters of Glendale, California. Tryouts for people who want to fill the costume of the mascot was held recently.

Brandiose designed the logos and brand for the Trash Pandas. Custom Characters’ client list includes The Walt Disney Co., DreamWorks Animation, Universal Studios, 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros., among others.

The Rocket City Trash Pandas, the area’s newest Minor League Baseball team, will begin their first season in April at Toyota Fields in Town Madison.