by Charlotte Smith
This past weekend kicked off the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Warm Southern Christmas campaign.
The campaign’s slogan touted by the chamber, “Come for the Shopping, Stay for the Lights,” delivered on its promise.
The festivities began Friday evening with Town of Elizabethtown Mayor Sylvia Campbell, Bladen County Commissioner Arthur Bullock, Radio host, Tha Gospel Diva Shaw, and Singer Jane Houseal Johnson at the Christmas Lighting Show on the lawn at the Bladen County Courthouse.
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Miss North Carolina Queen of Hope, Ms. Hannah Wheeless, daughter of Daren Melanie Wheeless, was downtown during the event but did not just pose for photos. Miss NCQH collected donations for Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital with the help from Barefoot’s Sandwich Shoppe.
After the tree lighting ceremony Friday evening, secret window shoppers strolled downtown to judge the decorated storefronts for a chance to win free advertising on BladenOnline.
Throughout the weekend, the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market was abuzz with local farmers, crafters, bakers, and live entertainment. There was a tree decorating contest held on the lawn at the market in honor of essential workers.
The winner of the Window Decorating contest was Ray’s Inc., and the winner of the tree decorating contest was Keep Bladen Beautiful, with their tree honoring sanitation workers, according to Terri Dennison, Director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Dennison and her college intern, Blair Potter, showcased area churches in a Tour of Churches on Saturday.
Mrs. Dennison said, “Some churches have already signed up to be in the tour next year!”
“I’ve never seen the town promoted so much,” said Ray Britt, a Bladen County Commissioner and small business owner.
The local downtown merchants offered safe shopping with discounts. Some stores even provided curbside service and virtual shopping online with websites and social media.
The festivities are not over.
The Elf Scavenger Hunt started this weekend with local merchants and continues until December 19. Find the E-WL Elf at local businesses, claim your scavenger hunt card and continue searching the area until the card is full of holes for a chance to win some great prizes from local chamber members.
Local stores continue to offer discounts, longer hours, curbside service, and virtual shopping to assist customers with their holiday shopping needs. Many have even announced they will be open on Sundays until Christmas. Local crafters and farmers said they would be at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market each weekend until Christmas as well.
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Lighting of the Lake photos by Jamie Corbett
The new Lighting of the Lake contest started at White Lake Saturday evening from 6 pm until 10 pm. It brightened the area and had many traveling the waters admiring the beauty. The competition has lake residents decorating their piers with lights for Christmas. According to Mrs. Dennison, Photographer Jamie Corbett is working on uploading an album to Facebook for the popularity contest. Votes will be counted for the Lighting of the Lake contest until December 19.
Last but not least, on Sunday, December 13, 2020, the Many Hearts One Beat committee will host a Unity Carolers Concert at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market in Elizabethtown from 4 pm until 7 pm.
There will be carolers singing at the market from different churches across Bladen County. During the concert, gift cards and monetary donations will be collected so that the committee may purchase items for those in need this holiday season.
There is something for everyone to take advantage of during the holiday season in Bladen County. Shopping, lights and hometown holiday cheer may be found here.
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