Halloween is just days away, but the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce has plans in place for the upcoming Christmas events.
The annual Fraser Fir Tree Lighting will begin at 5:30 on Monday, Nov. 17. The tree will be lit shortly after 6 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Director Tonya Stevens noted the tree lighting was being held on a different day than it normally. The lighting is traditionally held on the second Tuesday in November which falls on Veterans Day this year.
The official tree lighter will be East Side Principal Josh Wandell and his team of supporters.
“We chose him for the tremendous work he has done in the school and in the community,” Stevens said. “We also chose him for the amount of faith he has shown through his illness. It is also for awareness for the disease that has affected not only him but others in the community. We appreciate him and his spirt and perserverance.”
Wandell was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gherig’s disease almost a year and a half ago. Since then he has spread his message of faith and awareness through the community.
Starting 5:30 p.m., hot chocolate and apple cider will be provided by the Bonnie Kate Cafe. A welcome will be made by Melanie Stanton, Chamber Board President followed by a prayer given by Mr. Jonathan Perry, St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Music will be provided by Elizabeth Painter, Miss Watauga Valley, the Elizabethton High School Choral Group, and the Happy Valley Trumpeters.
The annual Christmas parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 with the theme of “The Wonderful World of Dr. Seuss.”
Stevens said the idea for the parade came from a comment made after last year’s Christmas parade about Dr. Seuss.
“We thought about it, and decided it would be a fun, whimsical and colorful idea,” Stevens said.
Going along with the Dr. Seuss theme, the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library will serve as the grand marshal for the parade.
“The library does so much for the community, working to promote literacy through the different programs they offer,” Stevens said.
A portion of the proceeds from the parade will be donated to the local non-profit, Red Legacy Recovery.
Parade applications are available at www.elizabethtonchamber.com under the event section and may picked up at the Elizabethton Carter County Chamber of Commerce. The deadline for entries is 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26.