The city of Clinton is kicking of the annual Christmas in the City celebration this Thursday, complete with hay rides, gingerbread contests and of course, the lighting of the Christmas tree.
With Thanksgiving weekend over and December’s official start, Sampson County has begun gearing up for the biggest holiday of the year. As any longtime resident of the county knows, no one in Sampson takes Christmas more seriously than the city of Clinton. Though Sampson County and Clinton have many events planned for the month of December the city’s most anticipated event, Christmas in the City, is scheduled for this Thursday.
The event is by far one of Clinton’s biggest events not just in the month of December, but arguably the entire year. The celebration kicks off Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with the lighting of the tree. At this time, citizens will meet Mayor Lew Starling by the tree, located at the “Milling Around” sculpture across from Matthews Gifts.
“There’s a lot going on, a lot of different events,” said city planning specialist Tyler Wise. “We’re just looking forward to starting the holiday season off together as a community in the Square.”
Afterwards is when the real celebration begins. Hay, barrel train and carriage rides will be offered. Carriage rides will be offered through reservations. Hay rides will cost $3 each and the barrel train rides are completely free. In addition, the Sampson County Arts Council will be doing some gingerbread cookie decorating and the Historic Herring House will be hosting a gingerbread house competition.
Meanwhile, a scavenger hunt will be ongoing, starting at Simply Brewed Coffee Company. Fresh Christmas tree sales will also be happening at the City Market. At Vance Street Park, the Christmas Village Market will be taking place, allowing citizens to purchase locally sourced gifts and goodies. At the park, Santa will be stopping by to take photos with families, while live music from Carlton and Friends will be playing. A storytime will start at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse by the Sampson-Clinton Library. All the while, various food trucks will be sprinkled about, keeping families warm and fed.
“I’m most looking forward to gathering together downtown,” said Wise. “I think it’s always a great time when we are able to show off as a community, the great things we have and our assets. I think it’s also great to see the amazing decorations our downtown businesses have put up. When you drive around the city, it truly is a Christmas experience and I really do hope everyone will be able to experience it at some point.”
For more questions about Christmas in the City, visit Downtownclinton.com or call the City of Clinton at 910-299-4904.