Columbus County is bringing back Christmas in a big way.
COVID-19 eliminated or curtailed most area celebrations last year, and area towns are coming back better than ever.
Whiteville is lighting up downtown beginning Nov. 27.
Celebrate the Holidays in downtown Whiteville will kick off at Vineland Station on Nov. 27 from 4 p.m.- 8:15 p.m. The real Whiteville Santa will be greeting little ones. Chief David Yergeau and the City of Whiteville Fire Department will be bringing the jolly man himself to Vineland Station Depot at 6 p.m. for the tree lighting ceremony.
Otto McKenzie, the owner of Occasions Carriage, is offering folks the opportunity to see the Christmas lights downtown the old-fashioned way: by horse and buggy. The free carriage rides begin at 6:15 p.m. and are sponsored by Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, Southeastern Community College, and Edwin Russ Contract Hauling, LLC.
There will be fun and entertainment by many local businesses, including the Columbus County Community Band, along with Pamela Jacobs and the Waccamaw Siouan Dancers. Food and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Vendors will also be on site.
The celebration doesn’t stop there. The Whiteville Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. The parade is being sponsored by Peace Baptist Church. You can find an entry form in the story about the parade on the z2j.c7e.myftpupload.com website. Completed forms and checks for entry fees may be dropped off at the chamber of commerce, or the KOOL 103.9 FM, and Columbus County News offices at 1015 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
Tabor City is turning into Twinkletown.
Some activities in Tabor City will begin during the month of November. Letters to Santa can be put in the official North Pole mailbox located in the entryway of Tabor City Public Library. The Trim a Tree contest will begin on Nov. 22, and tickets for the area’s first annual Cookie Crawl will be available for purchase starting Nov. 29.
The Cookie Crawl is a family-friendly community event. Participants pay a small ticket fee, receive an empty box, and then go to local businesses and fill the box with cookies while shopping. The cost is $5, and the official start of the crawl is Dec. 10. The event ends at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11.
Thursday, Dec. 2, the city will hold its 26th annual Christmas parade. The event is being sponsored by the Tabor City Parks and Recreation Department, and is set to take place at 6 p.m. There is a $10 entry fee that will be taken up the evening of the parade. Area businesses are encouraged to participate, but anyone can join in on the fun with a work vehicle, truck, golf cart, or homemade float. Candy throwing will be allowed so load up on those sweet treats for the crowd.
The town’s tree lighting ceremony will take place following the parade at 7 p.m. This year’s living tree was donated to the town by the Tabor City Dirt Dauber Garden Club. Food, hot chocolate, and other concessions will be available for purchase during the event.
Boaters who want to decorate and show off for the holidays can take to Lake Tabor Dec. 11 is your chance. The Christmas on the Lake flotilla will begin at 6 p.m. There is no cost to participate.
While you’re waiting for the boats, bring the kids to decorate cookies. The cost is $4. The little ones will also have the opportunity to meet Santa, Cindy Lou Hoo, and the Grinch. Coffee, hot chocolate, and food will be available for purchase by the Greater Tabor City Chamber of Commerce.
For information about any of the events or to register, please contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 910.377.3012.
Chadbourn announces their first annual Christmas Festival
The town of Chadbourn is putting a new spin on things for the Christmas season with its first festival.
The 2021 Chadbourn Christmas Festival is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Depot Museum. The day will begin with a gingerbread house decorating contest at 10 a.m., and an ugly Christmas sweater contest at 11 a.m.
That’s not all the fun taking place that day. Load up the kids and head to the corner of Elm Street and Railroad Avenue to watch the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at 2 p.m. courtesy of the RJ Corman Railroad.
Afterwards, head on over to Brown Street for a meet and greet with everyone’s favorite characters. Come see the Grinch, Mickey, Minnie, and many more during the Character Christmas Stroll. No need to get out of the car because they will come to you. Bring your camera and take photos. The event is free.
Individuals and groups from everywhere are invited to dress in holiday attire and Christmas characters to join the stroll. Dress as elves, Dickens carolers, Christmas presents, reindeer, happy Christmas clowns or anything that comes to mind. Christmas cosplayers are more than welcome to join in on fun.
Characters are asked to gather at 1:15 p.m. in front of MacArthur Supply. For more information about any of the events at the festival, call 910.899.2992.
Lake Waccamaw’s tree gets a makeover in time for the holidays
The town of Lake Waccamaw is officially gearing up for the holiday season, and nothing could be merrier or brighter than the town’s tree lighting ceremony and 30th annual Christmas parade.
The tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. The tree got a makeover this year with new lights and connectors.
The parade will be on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. Floats, golf carts, antique cars, marching bands, and walking groups are welcomed to join in on the fun as folks ring in the Christmas spirit lakeside.
There is no entry fee, but participants are asked to submit an application no later than Thursday, Dec. 2 by 5 p.m. to Lake Waccamaw Town Hall. For more information, call 910.646.3700.
Riegelwood is beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Riegelwood may be just a small village on the Columbus County map, but this year Santa is sure to have no problem finding the area because folks will be rocking around the Christmas tree. The 2021 inaugural Christmas in the Village is happening the first weekend in December, and the theme is a Rock and Roll Christmas.
Starting Dec. 2, residents will begin decking the halls at 7 p.m. at Cook’s Farm Christmas party located at 5808 Cook’s Trail. Don your ugly sweater and enjoy a buffet dinner, dancing, raffles, and auctions. Tickets $25 per plate and can be purchased in advance.
If the bright twinkle of lights is more to your liking, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony is Dec. 3 at the Community Center ballfield.
There’s a Festival of Trees at Santa’s Workshop on Dec. 4. from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Purchase your spot by Nov. 27. Trees will be decorated between 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Dec. 3, to be ready for judging by noon on Dec. 4. Awards handed out this year will include best theme, best use of lights, most unique, and best holiday spirit. Following the event, trees will be donated to needy families and nursing homes.
Be sure to check out the parade Dec. 4 at 11:30 a.m. The parade route starts on Forest Drive behind the fire department, circles the village community, and ends on Green Street and Cornwallis Road.
Those who are interested in joining in on the fun are invited to register their float or golf cart for $20 on Facebook on the Riegelwood Parade page. There will be contests for many categories and the winners will be announced immediately following the parade.
Kids and adults of all ages are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa and head out to the Community Center on Dec. 4 for games, cookies, and cider. The holly jolly man will be there himself and available for pictures. Best of all, admission is free.
For more information or to sign up to participate in any of the events happening at the Christmas Village, call or text 910.297.1345 or stop by the Jericho Road Christian Bookstore in Riegelwood.
