BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Christmas in the Mountains opened Sunday with A Merry Little Christmas Party and the crowning of retired Martin County educators Estella Horn as Ms. Christmas in the Mountains and Darrell Clark as Mr. Christmas in the Mountains. With Inez looking like a dazzling winter wonderland of lights and displays, the festivities continue Wednesday (Nov. 29) through Saturday.

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 has seven rides, including a 50-foot Ferris wheel for the first time ever.

The ice skating rink is set up at the Martin County Business Center. The giant slide, a favorite last year, and the carousels are also back. This year, the festival features a ballistic swing and a dinosaur mini rollercoaster.

A vendors market, live music, DJFletch, a musical by the Martin County High School Drama Club, A Walk to Bethlehem, Free Angel Breakfast, local artist performances, parades, and other attractions are on tap.

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.

Below is an updated schedule for the remainder of the week:

Christmas in the Mountains Schedule:

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, goes around the church to an area near the creek, and returns to and ends at the church.

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. SOLD OUT.

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 other than the base must be edible.

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.

1-1:15 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.

2-5 p.m. — Cruise-in/Car Show at Martin County Extension Office parking lot, 9 Holy Street. Registration is $10. Contact Travis Parsley at 304-417-0553 for more information.

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. The lineup is at 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 performs.

7-7:30 p.m. — Bradley Goble performs.

7:30 p.m. — Jack Ward performs.

9 p.m. — Community Candlelight Service at Golden Memorial Methodist Church, Main Street.