03/28/2024
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Photo above of Town of Elizabethtown Christmas Tree by Jamie Corbett, with whitelakelifenc

By Cara Beth Lewis 

Bladen County Christmas “30 Days of Celebration” is an effort of Elizabethtown – White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, with a goal to share and advertise holiday ongoings all over Bladen County, according to Terri Dennison.

First, let’s talk about what has happened so far in Elizabethtown. On Sunday, November 28th at 3 pm, Elizabethtown held their annual Christmas parade with a theme of “The Future is Bright.” The parade was sponsored by Star Communications. Online, the chamber shared an encouraging statement with readers: “Let’s Celebrate… the resiliency of our small businesses, our downtown shops and restaurants that found a way to keep serving us, the endless numbers of essential employees, and all of us, who are looking for a brighter, better tomorrow!”

For the first time ever at the Elizabethtown Christmas Parade, there was a float contest. A panel of judges chose the “Best of Show.” The winner of the Contest was Camp Clearwater of White Lake.

Photo contributed by Adam Smith.

Terri Dennison of Elizabethtown – White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Santa Claus present trophy to Camp Clearwater Campground Manager Adam Smith at the Christmas Tree Lighting for “Best of Show” Christmas Parade Float.

Photo contributed by Kristy McLean Coleson.

Also for the first time this year, there was a Grand Stand with Townsend Link as the announcer at the parade. Link is the owner of Townsend Link Music, Owner/Air Personality at Beach Waves Radio, and vocalist in local band “The Pink Slips.”

There are lots of contests going on in the area this year! Yia Yia’s Gifts and More was named winner of the annual storefront decorating contest. This was announced at the annual Elizabethtown Christmas Tree Lighting on Sunday, November 28th.

On December 4th, the Lighting of the Lake took place. This is sponsored by Duke Energy, and is also a contest. Winners of the contest will be determined based on likes and comments on the Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page: EtownWhiteLakeChamber. Voting opened on December 4th, so you still have an opportunity to get your votes in! According to Terri Dennison, one like equals one point, and one share equals two points.

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Photo above of White Lake lights by Jamie Corbett, with whitelakelifenc

REGISTERED DOCKS
Business:
  • Camp Clearwater
  • Tar Heel Campground
  • Resorts Collection Gift Shop
  • White Lake Holiday Resort
  • The Grand Regal
Residential:
  • 108 – Susan & Ronald Inman
  • Goldston Womble
  • 132 – Alice Warren
  • 326 – Derrick & Alaina Gilchrist
Community:
  • Waterford Community Pier

Cape Fear Farmers Market in Elizabethtown is the host of many holiday events during the Bladen County Christmas 30 Days of Celebration. In the recent weeks, ten different live Christmas trees have been decorated by various businesses, clubs, organizations, and individuals, still following the theme “The Future is Bright.” Proceeds of this contest help provide funds for the Empty Stocking Fund. According to Terri Dennison with the Chamber of Commerce, all ten trees have been decorated, and now it is time for voting, which will take place this weekend and next weekend.

Christmas Trees and Gingerbread Contest at Cape Fear Farmer’s Market photos by Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Pets get to participate in the 30 Days of Celebration too! On Saturday, there will be an All About Pets event at Cape Fear Farmers Market with a Santa Paws Fun Walk (one mile) and photo opportunities from 9 am until 2 pm.

Lastly, Vertical Church will host a family-friendly Christmas Celebration, open to the public, Friday night at Cape Fear Farmers Market. Dennison says, “There will be all kinds of stuff!”

There are certainly plenty of opportunities to spread Christmas cheer and celebrate the holiday season here in the Mother County. Bladen County is going above and beyond this year in efforts to provide a great holiday season for residents and visitors.

For more information on upcoming events in the Bladen County Christmas 30 Days of Celebration, visit the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce website: Elizabethtown-White Lake.

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