Last weekend was a wash for some Christmas celebrations in Columbus County, but there are still plenty of holiday events on tap through December. Parades, the farmers market, and an appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus are scheduled for this weekend, and the Veterans Memorial Park of America will have their annual turkey shoot and a ‘Polar Express’ movie night for the kids.
If your church, civic group, or association has live nativities, Christmas markets, plays, fundraisers, or events that you want published in The Good News, send your submissions to crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com. We will be sure to get them out there for absolutely free.
Candlewood Farms and Lower Cape Fear Life Care are partnering together to host a Veteran’s Cafe and Connection today, Dec. 10, from 9-11 a.m. at the coffee shop. It’s a chance for veterans to gather, share stories, and enjoy a free cup of coffee in a space built for camaraderie and support.
The facility is also collecting Christmas and Thank You cards with $5 gift cards to pass out during the event to help give back to the men and women who served our country.
For more information about the cafe, call Laura Long at 910.620.5062. Candlewood Farms Coffee and Bakery is located at 721 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
The Columbus County Partnership for Children and Families will present Magic on Main at the Vineland Station Depot on Dec. 11 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Grab some free pajamas for kids newborn to five years old, take a photo with Santa, and join on the free food giveaways and raffles.
For more information about Magic on Main, call 910.642.8226. Vineland Station is located at 701 South Main Street in Whiteville.

Creek Hyatt and his Eagle Scout group added a new addition to the Lake Waccamaw dam last week. The boys worked hard to put up a swing for visitors to the area to enjoy. Thank you to the young folks who brought a little more beauty to the area.
The Columbus County Farmers Market invites you to experience the magic of Christmas on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Cindy the Who. The Carolina Country Cruisers will be there with cars and razors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Edgewood Chorus will perform at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy crafts, door prizes, games, vendors, food and photo ops all day long. Folks interested in peddling their wares can pick a spot for $50. The market can be found at 132 Government Complex Drive in Whiteville.
Santa and his merry crew will be coming to Pierce and Company in Hallsboro on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Bring the kids, strike a pose, and capture some magical memories with Santa, Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, an elf or two, and even a reindeer.
Pierce and Company is located at 4229 Sams Potts Highway in Hallsboro.

If you’re looking for a furry new best friend to surprise the kids with on Christmas morning, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services have you covered this season. Adoption fees have now been cut in half through December.
A new cat for your lap is only $12.50, and dogs can be brought home to snuggle for $37.50. Consider giving the gift of a permanent home to an animal in need this Christmas. The APS can be found at 288 Legion Drive in Whiteville.
Get ready, aim, and fire every Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 27 and on Wednesday, Dec. 31 with the Veterans Memorial Park of America Turkey Shoot. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Raffle tickets are also up for grabs for a Weber smoker. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20, and the drawing will be held on Dec. 31.
The kids will not be left out at the VMPA Community Outreach Center. There will be a movie night at the facility on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. Grab a chair and a blanket and snuggle in to watch The Polar Express.
The Veterans Memorial Park of America can be found at 6354 James B. White Highway South in Whiteville.
Speaking of the Polar Express, the Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum still has tickets available for ‘The Grinch Catches a Ride on the Polar Express’ event on Saturday, Dec. 13. Parents can take advantage of some holiday shopping after you drop off the kids at 6 p.m. and pick them back up at 9 p.m.
Children ages first to fifth grade can take a picture with Santa and the Grinch, read a story with Mrs. Claus, make a Christmas craft with Santa’s elves, write a letter to Santa, make a cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy dinner and a movie in the Freight Room.
Reserve your child’s seat by calling 910.770.6017. Spots are limited, and tickets can be picked up for a donation of $25 to the museum. The depot can be found at 203 Flemington Drive in Lake Waccamaw.
Riegelwood will host their Christmas parade and festival on Dec. 13 from 12-8 p.m. There will be food, vendors, and a kids zone for the little ones. Parking and restrooms will be available at the Riegelwood Community Center.
For all the details, email riegelwoodchristmas@gmail.com.
Whiteville’s Christmas parade has been rescheduled to Dec. 14 starting at 6 p.m. This year, the procession will feature a very special Grand Marshal, Kyla Mae Benton. Six-year-old Kyla has already inspired the community with her spirit, strength, and remarkable journey of healing after surviving a tragic car accident last January. She has shown what hope, determination, and what the power of community prayer can do
The parade will kick off on Webster Street and make its way through downtown, ending at Madison, Franklin, and Lee Street intersection. After the big event, gather with family and friends at Vineland Station for the annual tree lighting, some food trucks, and so much more.
The float judging for the contest will happen during the parade, and vendors will be set up at Vineland Station before and after the procession.
Entry applications for the procession can still be picked up through Dec. 12 at 12 p.m. at Whiteville City Hall located at 317 South Madison Street or you can grab one online by visiting https://www.whitevillenc.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/christmas-parade-contract-2025.pdf.

Fair Bluff will kick off the holiday season on Dec. 14 with their Christmas celebration at the Visitors Center. The big event begins at 4 p.m. with a visit from Santa, followed by the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., and the parade at 6 p.m. The center can be found at 1054 Main Street.
The Town of Bolton is accepting food and vendor applications for their second annual Christmas parade on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. To find out how to get yours, call Town Hall at 910.655.8945, or shoot an email to aa.youngdaniels@gmail.com.
The New Mt. Zion Fundraising Committee will be having a chicken salad plate and bake sale on Dec. 14 from 12-2 p.m. in the church’s dining room. The plate includes chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, fruit cup, cheese, crackers, chips, and a beverage for $12, chicken salad on a croissant with a drink for $6, or bottled water or lemonade for $1.
The bake sale items are Chessman banana pudding for $5, cake slices for $3, and mini cakes for $5. The church’s address is 1980 Mill Pond Road in Brunswick.
Union Baptist Church will have their Christmas play and spaghetti fundraiser dinner on Dec. 14. The dinner will begin after services that Sunday. Plates are $10 each and proceeds will go to support the youth program.
Tickets can be purchased by Cash App at $UBC2290. Be sure to put ‘Christmas Fund’ in the subject line. UBC can be found at 2290 Old Northeast Road.
The East Columbus Education Foundation Swamp Keepers invite you to send a candy gram to your student or a special staff member at ECJSHS on Dec. 18. The last day to purchase is Dec. 16.
Candy grams are $1 each, and payments can be made by Venmo or can be sent to the school with ‘Attention Swampkeepers’ on the envelope. The school’s address is 32 Gator Lane, Lake Waccamaw, N.C. 28450.
Trinity Baptist Church will have a Christmas Eve candlelight celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 23, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. They will be reflecting and honoring the birth of Christ with special music, scriptures, and poems.
Light refreshments will be served after the event in the Fellowship Hall. TBC is located at 201 South Thompson Street in Whiteville.

History was made in Columbus County last week by Columbus Career and College Academy student Sera Power. The young lady was recognized at the Board of Education meeting for taking first place in the NCSBA video competition. This marks the first time a student has received the award in Columbus County.
She brought home the top spot and won $3,000 for the school’s broadcasting program. Congratulations Sera.
Remember to check out our Good News tab throughout the week. We love to hear about all the great things happening around you. Email your submissions to thegoodnews@columbuscountynews.com or crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com; call us at 910.914.6056 or just drop by our office at 1015 South Madison St., Whiteville. We love visitors. If the blinds are open, we’re open for business.


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