HOLIDAYS IN THE HILLS

Holiday in the Hills

CHRISTMAS IS MAGICAL IN THE MOUNTAINS, AND ESPECIALLY SO IN BLOWING ROCK, NC

By G. CLEVELAND KILGORE

In 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

Christmas season is really special in Blowing Rock.

MAYOR CHARLIE SELLERS

BLOWING ROCK MAYOR CHARLIE SELLERS

POSITION: Mayor, Town of Blowing Rock PROFESSION: Regional Manager and President of environmental companies (35 yrs) industry; tourism industry EDUCATION: Blowing Rock Middle; Watauga High; Riverside Military; Appalachian State University RESIDENCE & HOMETOWN: Blowing Rock NC (22 years) AGE: 62 FAMILY: Deatra Sellers (wife) PETS: Scrappy (dog); Mellie, Scarlett (cats) INTERESTS: Golf, skiing, hiking

AFFILIATIONS:

Blowing Rock Historical Society Board; Blowing Rock; Chamber of Commerce Board, Village Foundation Board, Rumple Presbyterian Church

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