Saturday Dec. 5
The Elizabethton Christmas Parade will be held at 6 p.m. in Downtown Elizabethton beginning at Big John’s.

Betsy Bluegrass Bash will feature Fiddlin’ Carson Peters, Boots on the Ground, three members from NewFound Road, and Siam Symphony for only $10 at the Elizabethton High School gymnasium at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 at the door or may be purchased online at betsybash.brownpapertickets.com, or from members of the softball and baseball teams. Proceeds benefit baseball and softball teams.
Milligan’s Christmas Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium, Seeger Chapel, featuring choirs, orchestra, brass choir and the organ. It will include a choral sing-along and will conclude with a candle-lighting and singing of Silent Night. Attendance is free, but hosts suggest a $5 donation to benefit the Milligan music program. For more information, visit www.milligan.edu/arts.

Sunday Dec. 6
The Elizabethton Elks Lodge #1847 will hold its annual Memorial Service at 2 p.m. at the Elizabethton Elks Lodge. This service is for honoring our departed members. All members are encouraged to attend this service. Widows of departed members and guests are cordially invited. For more information please call the Elizabethton Elks Lodge at 543-2341.
Milligan’s Christmas Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium, Seeger Chapel, featuring choirs, orchestra, brass choir and the organ. It will include a choral sing-along and will conclude with a candle-lighting and singing of Silent Night. Attendance is free, but hosts suggest a $5 donation to benefit the Milligan music program. For more information, visit www.milligan.edu/arts.

Monday Dec. 7
The GFWC of TN Elizabethton Woman’s Club will meet at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church for a catered luncheon followed by the business meeting. Special guest, Donna Simpson, GFWC of TN District I president, will be present. Following the meeting there will be a Yankee Swap exchange of gifts.
The Christmas Concert of the Elizabethton Choral Club will be held at 7 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 1114 Broad St., Elizabethton. This year’s repertoire will include songs from the movies, “Home Alone” and “White Christmas,” as well as classic carols and Christmas songs. The group is lead by Debbie Gouge, director, Jon Cardwell, assistant director, and Julie Cardwell, accompanist. This free concert is a musical gift to the community and the public is cordially invited, although concert attendees will have the opportunity to give to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research for the Cure in an offering taken during the concert. For more information, contact Scott Reynolds, president, ECC, at 306-6556, scottreynolds62@gmail.com

Tuesday Dec. 8
The Carter County/Elizabethton Retired Teachers will meet at 2 p.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church. The program will be presented by Rep. John Holtsclaw with music by Sherry Richardson. Pat Hicks will bring the devotions. All retired teachers are welcome.
The Johnson City United Auto Workers Retirees will hold their monthly meeting at 10 a.m. at Maple Grove Restaurant in Unicoi. Directions: Follow I-26 East toward Asheville. Take Exit 32, and turn left at the end of the ramp. The restaurant is two-tenths of a mile on the right. All UAW retirees are invited to attend, bring their spouses or friends and join the group for this meeting. For local information, call 727-7393, 772-4777 or 743-8778.

Thursday Dec. 10
The Lions Club of Elizabethton will meet at noon at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s on Hudson Drive. There will be a speaker with the Unified Warrior Foundation present. The public is invited to attend and learn about this Foundation and what they plan and are offering veterans with P.T.S.D.

Friday Dec. 11
Democrats of Carter County are invited to the Annual Christmas Dinner hosted by the Democratic Women’s Club and the County Democratic Party. Join us on Friday, December 11, at First Presbyterian Church, 119 West F Street, Elizabethton, for food, fellowship, and inspiration. Doors open at 5:30, and dinner will begin at 6:15. The hosts are supplying main dishes, and we invite you to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Dinner will be followed by our traditional auction of gift items, both artistic and functional. For more information, call Pat at 423-474-3438.

Saturday Dec. 12
Hopwood Memorial Christian Church, located on the Milligan College campus, will host a Holiday Bazaar. The event, to be held from 1-5:30 p.m., features crafts and a bake sale. It is followed by a Chili Supper from 5:30-7 p.m. Proceeds and donations go towards the church building fund. For more information, visit Hopwoodcc.org or call 926-1194.
East Tennessee Ballet Academy will present “The Nutcracker” at Milligan’s Gregory-Street Center at 7 p.m. featuring a number of fabulous area performers of all ages in this classic ballet. For more information, call Cynthia Bernshausen at 512-1722.

Sunday Dec. 13
East Tennessee Ballet Academy will present “The Nutcracker” at Milligan’s Gregory-Street Center at 2 p.m. featuring a number of fabulous area performers of all ages in this classic ballet. For more information, call Cynthia Bernshausen at 512-1722.

Friday Dec. 18
The Elizabethton Senior Dance Club will hold a dance at the Elizabethton Elks Lodge, No. 1847, 1000 N. Sycamore St., from 7-10 p.m. The Rambling Rose Band will provide music. Those attending the dances are asked to bring finger foods to share. There is a $6 door charge. The club holds dances the second and fourth Friday nights of each month. All seniors are welcome.
Story Time with Santa will take place at the Parks and Recreation Center from 1-5 p.m. Santa Claus will read stories to children and they will have the opportunity to play on inflatables and to eat cookies and milk. The event is free, and parents are invited to bring cameras to take photos of their children with Santa.

Thursday Dec. 31
Midnight on the Mountain at Roan Mountain State Park. Hike Round Bald at midnight on Dec. 31 and hike down on Jan. 1 with Park Ranger Meg Guy. Limited to 15 hikers.