919 | UPFRONT
Holiday in the Hills CHRISTMAS IS MAGICAL IN THE MOUNTAINS, AND ESPECIALLY SO IN BLOWING ROCK, NC By G. CLEVELAND KILGORE
I
n many ways, it’s the type of Christmas that so many dream about – people strolling the streets and looking in the store windows dressed in twinkling lights and garland.
It’s warm drinks and fuzzy mittens. It’s a giant tree, decked out in what seems to our young selves to number in the thousands. It’s music, and laughter, and singing. And warm hugs with old friends and smiles from new acquaintances. But something is different in Blowing Rock, North Carolina– and other mountain towns nestled into the Blue Ridge: It’s not a dream…it’s actually real. And a remarkably busy time of year. Just ask Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers, who grew up Blowing Rock in the community before moving away to further his career – only to return, work in the family business and becoming mayor. “Christmas season is really special in Blowing Rock,” Sellers said. “Thanksgiving weekend offers the Christmas Parade, lighting of the town, ski slopes opening (weather permitting), and the Tweetsie Railroad Christmas event.” He also mentioned the Chetola Mountain Resort Christmas lights, the winter festival in January, special exhibits at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, and events and activities at the newly renovated park for children.
Blowing Rock’s Christmas in the Park & Lighting of the Town celebration kicks off the annual celebration at Memorial Park on Main Street downtown, the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 26 – featuring free hot chocolate, caroling, and visits with Santa. It’s part family affair, part an opportunity for romance, and all fun in a jovial atmosphere. The official schedule for the events includes: n
12-3 p.m. – Meet Santa
for photos n
1:30-4:30 p.m. – Carnival
Games in the park n
2-6 :30 p.m. – Live Music
n
5:30 p.m. – Lighting of
the Town
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
The Blowing Rock Christmas Parade follows at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, filling downtown with fun costumes, floats, animals and plenty of holiday cheer and Christmas spirit. For more information, visit blowingrock.com and blowingrockncchamber.com. INSIDE n An Intriguing Mystical Legend, Page 14 n Christmas at Historic Chetola Resort, Page 16
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www.919Magazine.com
November/December 2021
