GIBSON — It’s lights, Santa, action for towns across Scotland County.
With Thanksgiving out of the way, the town of Gibson will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting on Friday night. It is just one of a plethora of activities planned across the county for the holiday season.
The free Gibson Christmas event will be held at the Gibson Depot, beginning at 6 p.m. with coffee, hot cocoa and cookies. The actual tree lighting will take place at 8 p.m. and Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make an appearance.
This is the third year the town has held the ceremony.
“We wanted to give back to the community a little bit,” Town Clerk Angela Hunsucker said. “There isn’t a whole lot to do in Gibson so it’s a way for us to show the town folks that we appreciate them.”
Hunsucker also said the the museum will be open during the event for visitors to walk through. About 100 people attend the event each year.
“The town decorates the tree and it gives people a chance to get together and visit with people they might not have seen in a while,” said Hunsucker. “
Here are some other upcoming holiday events in the area.
The holiday staple, “The Nutcracker” Ballet will premiere at Cole Auditorium on the campus Richmond Community College on Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The Columbia City Ballet will perform. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling the Cole Auditorium 910-410-1691 or bought in person.
A little closer to home, Encore! Theatre will present “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the New Life Christian Fellowship, 14681 Rea Magnet Road in Laurinburg from Dec. 1 through Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. each night.
Also on Saturday, Dec. 3 will be the Carlie C’s annual Laurinburg Christmas Parade beginning at 2 p.m. The parade will begin at the corner of Railroad Street and Main Street and will end on South Main Street at Plaza Road. The parade line-up will be posted on the Chambers website at www.laurinburgchamber.com.
That evening, Laurel Hill will have its annual Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. in the Pate’s parking lot. As part of the tradition, residents are asked to bring ornaments for the tree. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand.
On Dec. 4 the Storytelling and Arts Center will host its semi-annual Ladies Christmas Tea at 3 p.m. Tickets are $14 each and can be purchased online at the Storytelling and Arts Center website or by calling 910-277-3599. If no one answers leave your name, phone number and number of tickets and a staff member will contact you. Entertainment will be provided by Melancholy Babies and a special theatrical reading of “The Christmas Truce.”
The Christmas festivities continue on Dec. 6 with the 36th annual Laurinburg Tour of Homes. The Laurinburg Junior Service League will host the event from 5 to 9 p.m. Participating in this year’s tour are Mr. and Mrs. Bill Parker of Gibson, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Pearson of Gibson, The John Blue House, and Gloria McLean will be showcasing the Heritage House on South Main Street in Laurinburg. Tickets are $15 and are on sale at Bill Evans Company, Bob’s Jewel Shop, Red Willow Hair Studio, Harley’s Tuxedo & Gifts, Art by Design and Haney’s Tire.
Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.
