The contributed photo above left to right: Elizabethtown Fire Chief Freeman, Santa Claus, Elizabethtown Police Chief Parrish.
Written by Charlotte Smith
Contributed photos from social media
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off the Christmas season with a plethora of festivities. The fun-filled activities have only just begun.
Saturday, November 26, Downtown Elizabethtown merchants had Sidewalk Sales with the E-WL Elf Scavenger Hunt. Shoppers may continue participating in the Elf Scavenger hunt through December 18, 2022. When a shopper finds the E-WL Elf at participating merchant’s location, they receive a hole-punched card. A drawing will be held by the chamber of commerce with all the hole-punched cards for one lucky shopper to receive a large stocking filled with goodies at the end of the hunt.
This past Sunday’s festivities started with Breakfast with Santa at the Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery, and the sidewalk sales continued downtown. At 4 p.m. Broad Street was lined with the young and old for the annual Christmas Parade. The parade was a huge success, according to many in attendance. The local “Buddy the Elf” played by Stewart Valentiner, was captured shopping around town.
A Parade doesn’t happen without much coordination with the fire and police services. “Thank you to Chief Freeman and Chief Parrish and their staff,” the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Theresa “Terri” Dennison stated on social media.
After the parade sponsored by Star Communication, the Town dignitaries and holiday goers gathered around a giant Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn as the youth group from Wesley’s Chapel held lit candles welcoming the crowd. Jolly Old Saint Nick had the honor of lighting the decorated evergreen and posing for photos with those on the “good list.”
Jamie Corbett, a local photographer, captured some special moments with his camera.
Dennison announced, after many requests, the Candlelight Walk was added to Sunday’s activities. She said, “Participants are also encouraged to join in a candlelight caroling session following the tree lighting ceremony.”
The holiday cheer will continue throughout December. The Town of White Lake started the “Lighting of the Lake” this weekend. The public is asked to tour White Lake and vote on the lighting and decorating of the docks and piers. Votes are being collected on their Facebook page.
Mark your calendar for some more fun this holiday season. The information below is provide by the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
- Lu Mil Vineyard is hosting their annual Festival of Lights from December 1 through 4, December 8 through 11, and December 15 through 23.
- Sunday, December 4 at 4:30 p.m. Old Trinity Church will host a Hanging of the Greens service.
- Friday, December 9, starting at 6 pm, a Home for the Holidays-Talent Show will be held at Bladen Community College.
- Saturday, December 10, there will be a Christmas Open House at the Harmony Hall Village in White Oak from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm.
- Also on December 10, from 6 pm until 8 pm the Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery will host the Magical Christmas with Master Magician Ray Hardee.
- Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery will also host Lonestar Holiday & Hits on Saturday, December 17 at 7 p.m.
- The E-WL Elf will be hiding at local merchants for the scavenger hunt through December 18.
- There will be an “All About the Kids” event held at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market on December 3.
- “Santa Paws & Claws will be held at the Farmer’s Market on December 10.
- Last, but not least, “Its a Foodie Christmas” will be held on December 17.
The Cape Fear Farmer’s Market is located at 106 M.L.K. Drive in Elizabethtown, NC.
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