It will be another unique and special celebration come Thursday night in downtown Clinton, as the city once again transforms itself into a Christmas wonderland, one sure to delight children and adults alike.
Without question, merriment will be in the air and fellowship the order of the evening as the Clinton Main Street Program, in partnership with the Sampson County History Museum, Sampson Arts Council, Clinton Kiwanis, Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce and area sponsors, brings back Christmas in the City.
In its fifth year, the event — complete with the now annual Christmas tree lighting, hay rides, the decorating of gingerbread cookies, carriage rides through downtown, and new features such as the Kiwanis Secret Shop, Snowzilla, a giant inflatable snow mountain and what is sure to be a scrumptious meal at the “Taste of Christmas at the Market” — promises to have something for everyone.
Take, for example, the new Kiwanis Christmas Shop, where youngsters will be able to shop for grownups. Little ones are sure to have a lot of fun acting like big girls and boys, shopping for their adult family members with a little help from Key Club elves who will not only assist them with their purchase but ensure they are wrapped and ready to go under the tree before they leave. What fun they are sure to have in this latest addition to the Christmas in the City activities!
Every year, the holiday event gets a little more special, and brings even more delight to attendees, all who absolutely have to go home filled with the spirit of Christmas.
As it is every year, we encourage residents to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity Christmas in the City affords, an opportunity to come downtown, enjoy a plethora of holiday activities, meet friends and sample some of the things that make our community so special.
Our hope that this event would be the start of a wonderful new Clinton tradition has now been fully realized, and we applaud all those who have had a hand in making this year’s holiday extravaganza something to look forward to.
Each of the events offer something special. The carriage rides offer participants a unique vantage point from which to view the city, lit up in its Christmas finest; the gingerbread decorating contest provides competition, creativity and just pure Christmas fun; the “Christmas Memories at the Museum” offer visitors a chance to stroll through lighted luminaries and peruse any number of exhibits, including the antique toys and the Victorian-themed Christmas in the Holmes House. And, of course, Santa will be on hand at his downtown home so youngsters can come and visit.
And that’s just a few of the many activities offered to those who meander through downtown and join in the fun.
Businesses are expected to be open as well, so visitors can stop and shop along the way, offering support to our friends and neighbors, individuals who support our community in a number of ways throughout the year.
Christmas in the City will be held this Thursday, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in downtown Clinton. The weather is expected to be cool, but not cold, just the right temperature for a stroll through our wonderful town.
Join us downtown, won’t you? We promise it will be the kind of night that brings Christmas to life.