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Holidays off to chilly start in WJ
by Linda Burchette
Nov 29, 2010 | 2977 views | 0 0 comments | 9 9 recommendations | email to a friend | print
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It was almost too cold to breathe Friday evening, but that didn’t stop determined carol singers at the annual lighting of the community Christmas tree in West Jefferson’s Backstreet Park. They held onto their hats in the brisk wind and gripped their cups of hot chocolate in an effort to ring in the holiday season with good spirit.

The singers were joined by Santa Claus along with Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman characters and children were invited to ride on West Jefferson Fire Department’s antique truck. Shops stayed open late and the town had a definite feeling of Christmas.

The fun continues on Friday, Dec. 3 as carolers roam the streets dressed in costumes from ‘Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol’, and participating shops will again be open until 8 p.m. A horse-drawn wagon for rides around town is planned.

Events continue through Dec. 17 with the following:

Saturday, Dec. 4

10 a.m.: Run for the Wreath with Blue Ridge Endurance LLC organizing a new 7.2 mile race to the summit of Mt. Jefferson and back. Runners begin and finish at Ashe Civic Center. Visit www.NewRiverMarathon.com for more information.

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Santa Claus at Ashe County Farmers Market on the Backstreet. Bring a can of food and have your photo taken with Santa by Angelia Shepherd. Homegrown and handmade products for a unique Christmas gift.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Open house at the Ashe Arts Center with Santa visiting for photos ($2 per child) and story time with Mrs. Claus along with milk and cookies and holiday crafts, and visits from Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. Call 846-ARTS.

12-3 p.m.: Photos of your pet with Santa at Backstreet Yoga. $12 group sitting. Enjoy hot cider and fresh-baked goods. Call 982-4297.

1-3 p.m.: Open house at the Chamber of Commerce including artist Bessie Clay signing this year’s holiday ornament featuring Cascade Falls. Call 846-9550.

Sunday, Dec. 5

7:30 p.m., the Ashe Choral Society presents the annual holiday concert at Ashe Civic Center with both secular and sacred music, under the direction of Grady Lonon with accompaniment by Michael Bell. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for students. Call 846-ARTS.

Friday, Dec. 10

Hometown Christmas Social - come to downtown West Jefferson and enjoy hot chocolate and purchase goodies for your holiday entertaining or gift giving. Proceeds go to Ashe Really Cares. Judging for the ‘Old Hometown Decorating Contest’ sponsored by The Mountain Times. Participating shops open until 8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.: The Night Before Christmas Carol at Ashe Civic Center. Witness this solo drama presentation by EBZB production telling the story of the writing of Dickens’ famous novel. Admission charged, reserved seating. Call 846-ARTS.

Saturday, Dec. 11

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Christmas at Florence, celebrating Florence’s collection of antique dolls and paintings. Free event with refreshments at the Paul and Florence Thomas Memorial Art School on Trading Post Road in Glendale Springs.

Friday, Dec.17

Last Minute Shoppers Extravaganza! Participating stores will offer special sales while Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and reindeer dash about the streets filling last minute wish lists, shops open until 8 p.m.

Steve and Lisa Willingham of The Artist’s Theatre on Main Street have joined with other downtown merchants to create “Hometown Christmas in West Jefferson” to encourage folks to shop locally, keeping their money at home and enjoying what the local community has to offer during the holiday season. Mayor Dale Hudler donated the small trees you see around town, and the town crew worked hard putting up the Christmas lights and banners.

This is also Choose and Cut season as local tree farmers welcome visitors from near and far to choose their perfect Christmas tree. Support your local tree growers and set up a real Ashe County grown Christmas tree, and choose freshly made wreaths, decorative garlands and greenery. There are 22 growers participating. Get a map from the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce on Jefferson Avenue in downtown West Jefferson or call 846-9550 for more information.

You can also enjoy some truly uniquely decorated Christmas trees at the Ashe Arts Center during Tree Fest through Dec. 29. Visit Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to see seven themed trees and the Christmas Miniatures exhibit along with paintings and photography.

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