Festival honors both sacred and spirited sides of the season
BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Downtown Inez will become the ultimate holiday haven as it hosts Christmas in the Mountains (CITM) in December. This weeklong festival honors both the sacred and spirited sides of the season Dec. 1-7.
On Monday, the CITM committee’s kickoff of activities was a powerful tribute: the lighting of the three crosses standing in front of the old courthouse. Committee member Brenda Davis shared the significance, explaining that these crosses have become symbols of light and community over the last seven years.
“We put them here and later on we put them in Warfield at the Church of God,” Davis said, hinting at the hope to spread them across the county eventually.
The crosses are a reminder of what this season means for many here.
Festival organizer Linda Webb explained the deeper meaning behind the lighting of these crosses.
“The Bible says the light comes and the darkness can never comprehend it,” she said. “You think about that. You go into a dark room and flip on a light switch, and the darkness has to go when the light comes on. That’s how Jesus is; he’s the light of the world. This is all about Jesus. Our Christmas in the Mountains Festival and our crosses are all about Jesus.”
She encourages everyone to light up their crosses this month throughout the county.
One tradition that marks the beginning of this festival is Community Decorating Day, which invites locals to join forces in transforming the town. All helping hands should meet at the pavilion behind the government center at 2 p.m. and plan to decorate until 4 p.m.
“We’ve gotten a lot done, but there is so much more to do,” Webb said, encouraging the community to come together for this effort.
The excitement continues with Light-Up Day on Nov. 17, a first-look evening for all the glimmering holiday lights around town. This year, the community will gather to light a community Christmas tree at 6 p.m. at the stage behind the courthouse—a new twist that Webb promises will bring everyone together in the spirit of the season.
Webb dropped a tantalizing hint of a secret addition to this year’s festival.
“We have a big surprise this year,” she teased. “It’s never been to Christmas in the Mountains.”
While Webb confirmed a Ferris wheel and the return of the ice skating rink, there is also an undisclosed treat set to debut Dec. 7.
From Dec. 1, the festival kicks off with the Merry Little Christmas Party featuring the crowning of Mr. and Ms. Christmas in the Mountains. With a theme of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” guests can dress in their favorite Christmas attire, enjoy an evening of dinner and music, and soak in the magic of the season from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Collier Center in Inez.
Tickets are $15 for singles and $25 for couples, available for purchase at Paula’s Hair Images on West Main Street or through PayPal to citmfunds@gmail.com. Use “friends and family” and include “Party” and the number of tickets in the comments for PayPal. Webb asks those who choose PayPal to private message BarryandLinda Webb on Facebook to let her know.
One of last year’s highlights, A Walk to Bethlehem, will return Dec. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., giving attendees a meaningful journey through the Christmas story.
Carriage rides will also return that evening, adding to the charm.
On Saturday, the streets will come alive with entertainment, music, delicious food, a classic car show, a parade, a Nutcracker display, a quilt show, a vendor market and more. Young families will delight in the Princess Tea. School dance and cheer teams will perform and Santa will make his appearance.
Webb promises the festival’s largest-ever carnival this year.
Capping off the festivities, the annual Angel Breakfast will take place Dec. 14 at the Collier Center. This event will offer a free breakfast, as well as live music and crafts.
Vendors interested in selling at the festival can contact Lisa Workman at 606-626-1926.
Festival organizers encourage everyone to follow the news for schedule updates, as this year promises to deliver great moments.
“It’s a very special time,” Webb said. “We love Christmas in the Mountains; we love our lord.”
(See the related announcements in this edition: Miss Christmas in the Mountains Pageant.)