BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — If you drive through the City of Inez in the next few days, you will feel the Christmas spirit as city streets transform into a winter wonderland with light displays everywhere. Christmas in the Mountains organizers announced a schedule this week that points to the city becoming the premier Christmas destination for all of Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia.
Festival chairperson Linda Webb and dedicated volunteers have scarcely had a moment to sit and catch their breath as the popular festival enters the last stage of planning. Webb said some additions to the attractions still may occur.
A Merry Little Christmas Party kicks off a week chocked-full of fun activities Sunday, Nov. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Collier Center. This event is for those above 16, as Webb and her group decided to host a special event for adults. It will serve as a fundraiser to help offset the overall cost of the festival. Tickets to attend are $20 for single and $30 for a couple. They may be purchased in advance by stopping by Shufflin’ Café on Main Street in Inez in person or by calling Kendra Fletcher at 606-298-3727 during regular business hours.
A Merry Little Christmas Party will include delicious food from Shufflin’ Café, music, dancing, and the crowning of the first-ever Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains. The lucky winners will serve as grand marshals for the Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade Dec. 3. Attire for the event is semi-formal, and Webb said Christmas sweaters and slacks are acceptable for those in a festive mood.
Beginning Wednesday and continuing Thursday and Friday (Nov. 30-Dec.2), school children will be transported downtown to ride two carrousels behind the government center, bounce on the inflatables and enjoy several other age-appropriate activities. Tasty treats will be available for purchase. When the kids finish their time on the rides, they will be bussed to the Collier Center, where they’ll be treated to a special showing of a traditional Christmas cartoon.
The Festival of Trees returns to the Historic Martin County Courthouse beginning Thursday, Dec. 1. This will exhibit trees decorated and donated by area businesses, groups and individuals. The trees will be auctioned off at the conclusion of the festival. Come out and enjoy all the amazing creations and place your bid on the one you’d like to see on display in your living room this Christmas. For additional information, contact Stephanie May at Blooms on Main at 606-534-3299.
Beginning Thursday afternoon, the public may purchase tickets for the faux ice-skating rink that is large enough to accommodate 40 skaters at a time. The cost is $5 per person and includes skating for 30 minutes and the skate rental. The skating rink will remain in place until the festival shuts down Saturday at 8 p.m.
D.J. Fletcher will provide music for dancing in the streets Friday evening to build anticipation for the festival’s main stage event Saturday morning.
Area churches have come together to once again sponsor the free Angel Breakfast at the Collier Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Head that way and enjoy a delicious breakfast to start your day, then mosey up to the government center where Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty will gather pastors and ministers from throughout the county at 9:30 a.m. for a prayer event on the government center steps.
Crafters or food vendors who have or plan to reserve a space in the Vendor’s Market may begin unloading and setting up after 8 Saturday morning. The market is scheduled to open to shoppers at 10 a.m. To reserve a space, contact Lana Jo Young or Heather Crum at 606-298-2807. The rental price is $20 for crafts/food and $10 for information-only booths. Vendors must supply their own tables and chairs.
Food vendors will show off their skills Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be in town for a meet and greet with the little ones Saturday 1-2 p.m. and will be joined by Disney and Marvel characters who are more than happy to pose for photos with their young admirers.
A car show is on tap near the courthouse Saturday, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. The vintage car owners are also invited to participate in the Christmas parade.
A Nutcracker Display will be set up throughout the day at the Martin County Historical Society.
Christmas hayrides will be offered throughout the day, and a new attraction this year will be horseback rides that begin from a location near the old library building.
A trolley and a train will provide rides from the Collier Center to downtown and back for those who need to give their feet a rest and want to enjoy seeing all the city has to offer.
Activities that cater to the area youth include a petting zoo, climbing wall, giant slide, obstacle course, a gaming truck, inflatables and Toyland for Toddlers, and much more.
A Cruise for Christ event is scheduled for children 12 and under who may ride battery-powered cars and bicycles to a set location.
Young ladies can attend A Winter Wonderland Salon for nails and makeup.
Cheerleaders from several schools will be performing dance and cheer routines. Also, look for Jackie’s Gymnastics.
Those who would like to take home a professionally done photo to commemorate their wonderful day at the festival can go by the vendor booth of Through the Lens of Lauren, who, for a charge, will take the photo and print it within a short time frame.
The Christmas parade will begin at 5:30, with the lineup scheduled for 5 p.m. at the county swimming pool.
The festival will remain open until 8 p.m. Saturday.