BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Inez is ready for Christmas in the Mountains 2023. Volunteers have worked the last six weeks transforming the heart of Martin County into a dazzling winter wonderland of lights and spectacular displays. Everyone can experience the enchantment from Nov. 26 through Dec. 2.
A trolley train will be traveling from the old IGA parking lot to the Collier Center parking to give folks a free ride to the festivities in the center of town.
This year’s festival is bigger, brimming with new and traditional attractions, including a 50-foot Ferris wheel for the first time ever.
The ice skating rink returns by popular demand and will be set up at the Martin County Business Center. The giant slide, a favorite last year, and the carousels also return. The festival adds a ballistic swing and a dinosaur mini rollercoaster this year.
Folks can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through town for one evening only.
There will be a vendors market, live music, DJFletch, great food, parades, parties and other attractions.
The ticket price for the skating rink is $5 and includes skate rental. Tickets for all other carnival rides, including the slide, will cost $12 for an all-day unlimited pass or $3 per ride.
Performances will take place on the stages behind the courthouse.
Read more below about the horse-drawn carriage rides and the schedule of events.
Schedule
Sunday, Nov. 26
6-8:30 p.m. — A Merry Little Christmas Party at the Collier Center in Inez for ages 16 and above. The semi-formal party will include delicious food by Shufflin Café, music and dancing, fellowship and the crowning of Ms. and Mr. Christmas in the Mountains 2023. Tickets are $20 for single / $30 couples, available at Shufflin Café or via PayPal to CITM@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 29
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — School children only.
4-8 p.m. — Ice skating rink/carnival food truck open to the general public. Skating is $5 for 30 minutes and includes skate rental.
Thursday, Nov. 30
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — School children only.
4-8 p.m. — Ice skating rink/carnival food truck.
5:30-7:30 p.m. — A Walk to Bethlehem begins at the Methodist Church on Main Street and ends at Inez Freewill Baptist.
Friday, Dec. 1
8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. — School children only.
10 a.m.- 8 p.m. — Food trucks, vendors market.
2-8 p.m. — Ice skating rink, carnival.
4-8 p.m. — Joy to the World Concert featuring local entertainers: Jack Ward at 4, Jude Sisters at 5, James Vanhoose at 5:30, Paige Maynard at 6, and Jack Ward at 6:30.
5-8 p.m. — DJFletchJ will entertain at the ice skating rink.
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Horse carriage rides at First State Bank parking lot. Tickets will be presold for $15 per person or $25 for two. Small children ride free. Purchase tickets through PayPal to CITMfunds@gmail.com. Contact Christmas in the Mountains on Facebook or call Kendra at Shufflin Café 606-298-3727 about time slots.
Saturday, Dec. 2
9 a.m.-noon — Free Angel Breakfast at the Collier Center in Inez, sponsored by local churches.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Tour of Nutcrackers at Martin County Historical Society.
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Ice skating rink, carnival rides and vendors.
11:30 a.m.-noon — Erin Grace Rudd performs.
Noon-4 p.m. — Gingerbread House contest presented by Judi’s Place for Kids at the Martin County Government Center. There are three contest divisions: ages 12 and under, 13-17 years, and 18-plus. Entry is $5 and can be paid when contestants arrive. Viewing the exhibits is free, but those casting votes for Best in the Mountains will pay $1 per vote. Premade kits or homemade are allowed. All materials must be edible other than the base.
12-12:30 p.m. — Savannah Jo Young performs.
Noon – 12:30 p.m. — Jackie’s Gymnastics performs.
12:30 p.m. — Inez Elementary Dance team performs.
1 p.m. — Cruise-in/Car Show at Martin County Extension Office parking lot, 9 Holy Street.
1-1:15 p.m. — Visit from Santa begins on the main stage, then moves to his chair for a meet-and-greet, photos and free candy canes.
1:15-1:30 p.m. — Julianna Horn performs
1:30 p.m. — Martin County High School Dance team performs.
2-2:30 p.m. — Olaf performance by Martin County High School Drama Club.
2:30 – 3 p.m. — Grace Caldwell performs
3-3:30 p.m. — Ella Parsley performs
4 p.m. — Gingerbread House winner announced.
4:30 p.m. — Meet the Grinch begins on the main stage, then moves to his tent for a meet-and-greet.
3:30-4:30 p.m. — Cruising for Christ. Children 12 years and under will ride bicycles down Main Street from Subway. Power Wheels riders will join in from behind the old library building.
4:30-5 p.m. — Hannah May performs
5-9 p.m.—DJFletch at the ice skating rink
5:30 p.m. — Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade sponsored by Martin County Kiwanis Club. Lineup is 5 p.m. at the Martin County Swimming Pool. Everyone is welcome to join.
5:30 p.m. — Snow Glow Parade sponsored by Christmas in the Mountains lines up and follows behind the Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade. Decorate your SXS, golf cart, ATV or bike with colorful lights and join the parade. The best-lit vehicle wins $25 cash.
6:30-7 p.m. — Chelsea Jude
7-7:30 p.m. — Bradley Goble
7:30 p.m. — Jack Ward
9 p.m. — Community Candlelight Service at Golden Memorial Methodist Church, Main Street.
