BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The City of Inez will again become the ultimate holiday attraction as it hosts Christmas in the Mountains the week of Dec. 7–13. Organizers are busy transforming the town with thousands of twinkling lights and impressive displays.
Christmas in the Mountains organizer Linda Lou Webb revealed several attractions on tap for this year, including an extensive carnival lineup, an ice-skating rink, two days of live entertainment, and theatrical presentations.
Preparations leading up to the festival seem as much a celebration as the event itself. In keeping with an eight-year tradition, the festival will light up crosses in front of the Historic Martin County Courthouse on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.
Webb asks everyone to come out for the event and encourages folks to “Light Up a Cross for Christmas” at home all across the county.
While some equate crosses to Easter, Webb says, “Light comes, and the darkness can never comprehend it … Go into a dark room and flip on a light switch. The darkness has to go when the light comes on. That’s how Jesus is; he’s the light of the world.”
All the lights come on Nov. 16 — “Light Up Day.” A special tree-lighting ceremony is set for 6 p.m. at the Court Street stage.
“It looks like snow is definitely in the forecast for our tree-lighting,” Webb said. “We have a snow machine.”
This year’s carnival lineup features Jumping Star, Rockets, Big Swing, Hustler, Berries, three kiddie rides and inflatables. Festival-goers can enjoy unlimited rides all day with a $10 bracelet purchase.
Admission to the ice skating rink is $5.
Train rides are free, while Winter Wonderland Hayrides are $3.
Vendors and attractions will open at 11 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Webb says both days will include a jam-packed lineup of free live entertainment, with the full schedule to be announced soon.
Quickly becoming a festival favorite, the outdoor theatrical production “A Walk to Bethlehem” will move to Courthouse Square this year, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Organized by local churches, the production is free to all and offers an immersive retelling of the Nativity story under the winter sky.
Another production Webb is excited to announce is the Martin County High School drama department’s presentation of “Elf Jr.—The Musical” on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Martin County High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Part of the Christmas in the Mountains celebration, this cheerful musical adaptation of the holiday classic will bring Buddy the Elf’s hilarious and heartwarming journey to life. It is a perfect family outing to celebrate the magic of Christmas through song, laughter and student talent.
Another highlight of the week will be “A Christmas in the Mountains Tea Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon in the Historic Martin County Courthouse. Tickets are $25 each, available through PayPal at chasitybilly762@gmail.com. Guests will enjoy a magical afternoon filled with holiday treats, character interactions and Christmas cheer. This enchanting tea party offers children and families a storybook-style celebration that blends Disney charm with the spirit of the season, featuring Belle and friends in a festive fairy-tale setting.
Adults will have their own night to shine at A Merry Little Christmas Party, planned for Sunday, Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Collier Center. The evening includes dinner, live music, dancing and the coronation of Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains. Tickets are $15 for singles and $25 for couples, available at Paula’s Hair Images or through PayPal at citmfunds@gmail.com.
Earlier that same day, the Miss Christmas in the Mountains Pageant will unfold at 2 p.m. at Martin County High School. Contestants will compete in both beauty wear and Christmas wear categories for a $100 all-in entry fee, which includes side awards, a supreme title, free pictures with Santa, and a small gift. Organized by Tiffany Hinkle, the pageant supports the Martin County High School Tennis Team and promises a festive afternoon of sparkle and community pride. Find Hinkle on Facebook for details.
Before the week officially begins, families are invited to the free Angel Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Collier Center. Guests will experience the true meaning of Christmas through fellowship, reflection and a festive atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to come share in the wonder and warmth of the holiday season.
Always a major highlight of the festival, the Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade, hosted by the Martin County Kiwanis Club, will roll down Main Street at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The Snow Glo ATV Lighted Parade will bring up the rear. Parade participants should line up at the Martin County Swimming Pool at 5 p.m.
Vendors interested in setting up can contact Lisa Workman by calling 606-626-1926.