Columbus County is gearing up for the holidays, in a big way.
There will be a free Thanksgiving meal Saturday starting at 11 at Murf’s Pawn on Madison Street in Whiteville. Willing Hands and Milk B4 Meat Ministries will be serving traditional meals to the public. There will also be free Bibles, and prayer partners are available. Volunteers are needed. While the event is focusing on the homeless, everyone is welcome.
The Columbus Community Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. There’s always a wide variety of local produce and farm products, arts and crafts and handmade items. This week, starting at 9 a.m., there will be hot collards and turkey, cornbread, and a variety of sweet potato products.
Saturday is the 2023 Youth Coon Hunt Challenge in Hallsboro. The event is free for all youth. The fun starts at noon at the Old 74 Fox Preserve on Sam Potts Highway in downtown Hallsboro. There will be free food, door prizes, and more.
Saturday is also the youth turkey shoot at Old Dock Cypress Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Kids 13 and under shoot free in sponsored rounds. Rounds start at 7 p.m. The fire department is at 10635 New Britton Highway East. Call 640.2203.
Speaking of turkey shoots, don’t forget that Transformation Church, Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department, Tabor City VFD, and others are having their shoots. Check out the list on our website.
The Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Team is donating $5 from each ticket to the Columbus county Veterans Memorial Park of America for several games this season. Go to fevo.me/marksmenfundraiser.com and use the promo code PARK to get discounted tickets and still help a good cause.
Animal Protective Services will be closed November 20 through 27 while the building is being upgraded. If you have an animal related emergency during that time, call 911.
Plaid Friday is coming up. It’s the small business answer to Black Friday, that big post Thanksgiving shopping day. Small Business Saturday is the very next day, and downtown Whiteville has a number of activities throughout the day.
The Columbus County Arts Council and Tim Hilbourn Photography will host the Real Whiteville Santa for free photos with children from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting downtown, along with Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman, and even the Grinch. Shop local and shop small before you head to the big box stores out of town.
The Native American Festival is the same day at the Museum of Natural Sciences downtown. The event will feature dance, music, culture, food and vendors celebrating Native American culture from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
On Nov. 29, the Grinch will be back downtown, visiting Guiton’s Drug Store from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and the reformed curmudgeon will have a special treat for each child.
Christmas at the Lake will begin Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. with the candlelight walkfrom town hall to the community Christmas tree on Flemington. The tree lighting and caroling will start at 6 p.m. Residents are also being encouraged to “Light up the Lakeshore” beginning Dec. 1. In recent years, Christmas displays along the shore have drawn a growing number of visitors to view the holiday lights.
Riegelwood will have a full slate of Christmas in the Village events Dec. 2. Food trucks, vendors and Santa Claus will be at 305 Hwy. 87, in the center of the village, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The Christmas parade starts at 5 p.m., with the community Christmas tree lighting is set for 6 p.m.
Lake Waccamaw’s Christmas Parade is at 10 a.m. on Dec. 2. Arts and craft vendors will set up after the parade at Elizabeth Brinkley Park. Vendors may set up on private property with permission of the landowner.
Chadbourn will hold their parade at 3 p.m. At 6 p.m., the Whiteville Christmas Extravaganza kicks off with the parade, music and festivities at Vineland Depot.
Tabor City’s Twinkle Town Christmas is Dec. 7, with the parade at 6 p.m., music and Christmas tree lighting at the library downtown. The Cookie Crawl sponsored by the Tabor Chamber of commerce is Dec. 8, followed by the Holiday Flotilla on Lake Tabor at 7 p.m.Registration for the flotilla starts at 6:30. Call 910.377.3012 for more information.
On Dec. 9, Fair Bluff will have a day full of activities leading up to the parade at 6 p.m. The new village market will be open starting at 8 a.m., and there will be other activities throughout the day.
Also on Dec. 9, Hallsboro community will have a Christmas tree lighting and Santa will be visiting Gwen’s Diner. Every child who visits Santa will receive a gift. Arrangements for the Hallsboro lighting and parade are still being finalized.
Carolina Adventist Church will host a live drive through Nativity December 10 from 4-7 p.m.The church is located a mile south of Walmart on U.S. 701. Call 445.1272.
We have plenty of room for your church’s Christmas celebrations. PM Columbuscountynews.com on Facebook or email jeffersonweaver@columbuscountynew.com with your free listing.
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