It’s a busy time in Columbus County. Make sure you tune in to the Good News on Saturday on KOOL 103.9 FM, and check back with the Good News tab throughout the week for updated event news and happy stories from our area.
Nov. 25 is Small Business Saturday, and downtown Whiteville will be busy with the Shop Our stores event. Start the day at the Columbus County Arts Council, where kids can get a free photo with the real Whiteville Santa and you can pick up your free shopping bag and passport. When you visit the participating stores and get your passport stamped, you can be entered to win a shopping spree or gift basket. The event is organized by the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.
While you’re in downtown Whiteville, you can say hello to Santa and Missus Claus, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, the elves, and even the Grinch. All that is going on from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in downtown Whiteville. The Grinch will be back Nov. 29 (next Wednesday) at Guiton’s Pharmacy, too.
This might be the biggest shopping time of the year, but next weekend is the busiest time for Christmas celebrations.
Lake Waccamaw’s Christmas tree lighting and candle walk is Friday, Dec. 2, starting at 5:30 p.m. The lake will have its Christmas parade and inaugural craft fair Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
Also on that Friday Chadbourn lights their community tree at 6 p.m. Saturday is their big Christmas parade at 3 p.m., and activities go on all day at the depot. Santa and Mrs. claus will arrive by train courtesy of R.J. Corman Railroad at 10 a.m.
Whiteville’s Christmas extravaganza starts at 5 p.m. on Dec. 2, with the parade at 6 p.m. followed by the Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, carriage rides and more.
Riegelwood’s Christmas in the Village is Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., with a parade, vendors, Santa Claus and much more.
Tabor City’s Twinkle Town celebration gets underway with Breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m. Dec. 9, along with the Christmas Crafts fair downtown. Dec. 7 is the big Tabor Christmas parade at 6 p.m. with the community tree lighting at 7. Dec. 8 is the Cookie Crawl at 3 p.m., followed by the Christmas flotilla on Lake Tabor at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 is the winter soiree at the Todd House.
Fair Bluff has a full day of events set up for December 9. The community market has been moved to that day, and there will be a parade at 6 p.m. and other events throughout the day at the visitor’s center and the depot. Santa will be welcoming visitors from 3-5 p.m. at the visitor’s center.
The Columbus Farmers Market will have its Christmas from the heart craft show and sale Dec. 9 from 9 until 1. There will be chicken bog and barbecue, bakers, crafters, a car show, fun for the kids, Santa Claus and of course, local produce, farm products and things you won’t find anywhere else. The market is located on Government Complex Drive in North Whiteville.
There are three locations for the Boys and Girls Home Nativity Journey this year. The Home at Lake Waccamaw, the Lake Waccamaw Depot, and the Carriage House will all feature parts of the Nativity story in this year’s special event. The event is from 3-7 p.m. Friday and 2-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Hundreds of nativity scenes will be on display this year as part of the event.
Bolton will have its first Live Nativity Dec. 18 at the Bolton Park on Old N.C. 211 from 6-8 p.m. Hot chocolate and smores will be available.
Tyler Reeves was recognized Wednesday from the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday. He was honored during the CCSO Thanksgiving luncheon that was put together by Det. Amy Corder and Sabrina Moody.
Catholic Charities will be at the Old Dock Community Center Wednesday for the last distribution of the year. There will be free diapers, incontinence products, food and feminine hygiene products. The group will be at Old Dock from 3-4:30 p.m.
The “Keep the Change” Lake Waccamaw Labor Day lemonade stand brought in over $2,000 for three local organizations. The great-grandchildren of John McNeil started the fundraiser after hearing stories about McNeil’s famous community dinners that raised money for the Rube McCray Library. This year, the youngsters added the Depot Museum and Lake Waccamaw Fire and Rescue to their list of beneficiaries.
The National Weather Service says this year might be colder than normal for at least part of the winter. You can help the less fortunate here in Columbus County be better prepared by contributing to the new and gently used coat drive sponsored by the Columbus County Partnership for Children. Donation deadline is Dec. 4, with the giveaway set for December 7. Drop your donations off at 109 West Main St., Whiteville.
Remember, we always have room on the GOOD NEWS for your happy stories, church announcements, pageant winners, civic club news, good Samaritan stories, and just about anything that makes you smile. Email jeffersonweaver@columbuscountynews.com and we’ll share your good news for free.
