BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
Martin County is ushering in the Christmas season with community celebrations and activities across the county from November through mid-December.
On Sunday, crowds packed in as Christmas in the Mountains lit the Christmas tree and made it snow on Court Street in Inez.
The next event arrives Saturday, Nov. 29, when the City of Warfield presents Visit With Santa at Warfield Park at 5 p.m. The city is partnering with the Warfield Park Community Center Board to offer gifts, music, Mrs. Claus, snacks, the Grinch and Santa’s helpers.
The Pigeon Roost Christmas Tree Lighting follows on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., where Santa will make a special appearance and families can enjoy hot chocolate, sweets and treats.
From Dec. 6 forward, it is Christmas in the Mountains in downtown Inez.
The Angel Breakfast at the Collier Center will take place Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon. The free community event includes breakfast, children’s activities and an inspirational program to welcome the Advent season.
Two major Christmas in the Mountains events fall on Dec. 7. The Merry Little Christmas Party takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Collier Center, featuring dinner, dancing, live music and the coronation of Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains. Ticket cost is $15 for singles and $25 for couples. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Paula’s Hair Images, the Spirit Shop or via PayPal at citmfund@gmail.com. The deadline to purchase is Dec. 2.
Earlier that day, the Miss Christmas in the Mountains Beauty Pageant begins at 2 p.m. at Martin County High School. The pageant includes beauty wear, Christmas wear, awards, supreme titles, free pictures with Santa and a small gift for each contestant. For more information, contact Tiffany Hinkle at 949-430-8540.
Christmas in the Mountains programming continues Dec. 9 with an Extension Office event, with details to be announced.
Two events are set for Dec. 11. Martin County High School Drama will present “Elf Jr.” at 7 p.m. at MCHS. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
The Martin County Historical Society will host its “Pretty in Pink” Nutcracker paint event the same evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 36 West Main Street in Inez. The cost is $28 per canvas or $35 for an 18-inch door-hanger plaque. Registration is available at paypal.com/ncp/payment/5ZYLHCESME2L4.
Christmas in the Mountains shifts into full festival mode Dec. 12, when activities run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The day will open with a prayer by Jack Ward, followed by ice skating ($5), carnival rides ($10 bracelets for all-day access), indoor and outdoor vendors, games, music and live entertainment. Santa will be on hand for photos and will be accepting donations.
Carnival rides include Jumping Star, Rockets, Big Swing, Hustler, Berries, three kiddie rides and inflatables.
Families can visit the petting zoo beside the Court Street Stage, open Friday only. Hay rides sponsored by the Marion Hale Masonic Lodge will operate for $3, with pickup on Main Street starting around 12:30 p.m. Free train rides will be available with pickup at the Ice Skating Rink on Main Street. Photo settings will be open along God’s Promise Trail at 4:30 p.m.
The live nativity “A Walk to Bethlehem” begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Court Street Stage.
Christmas in the Mountains events continue Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with ice skating ($5), carnival rides ($10 bracelets), special group events, live entertainment and vendors. At noon, families can enjoy the Christmas Tea Party featuring Belle and Friends. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved via PayPal at chasitybilly762@gmail.com.
Also at noon, the Candy Cane House Contest will begin at the new courthouse, with winners announced from the stage at 4:30 p.m.
A pet parade will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the stage area, and Santa will be present all day for photo opportunities.
This year’s Cruise-In will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Martin County Extension Office on Holy Street. Cars, trucks, bikes and race cars are welcome. Registration is $10, and vehicles may line up for the parade at 5 p.m. Door prizes will be awarded. Contact Travis Parsley at 304-417-0550.
Festival attractions Dec. 13 will also include face painting, games, hay rides ($3), free train rides and additional photo settings at 4:30 p.m. on God’s Promise Trail.
As it does with every parade for every festival in the county, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Martin County will present the annual Keeping Christ in Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. The lineup is at 5 p.m. at the Martin County Swimming Pool. The Glow Parade follows immediately behind the main parade, inviting decorated ATVs, UTVs, golf carts and other vehicles to join.
Evening entertainment will run until the festival’s closing at 10 p.m.
The final event of the night will be the candlelight service at Memorial Church at 9 p.m., where Jack Adams will deliver the closing prayer.