Christmas is just 10 days away! I am sure by this point you have shopped, wrapped, decorated, baked and completed a variety of other Christmas related tasks.
So, if you are all caught up on your errands and are looking for some family events to participate in, I will mention a few of them.
First, the Crossville Christmas Parade, originally scheduled for last weekend but postponed due to inclement weather that resulted in the deaths of six people just west of us, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16.
The parade will step off at 4:30 p.m. and make its way up Stanley St. before turning onto Main St. It will feature floats, bands, beauty queens, and even old Santa himself.
Prior to watching the parade, you may want to stop by Central Baptist and listen to its free Christmas program. “We Believe” begins today at 7 p.m. and will be presented again at 2 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Central Baptist is on Hwy. 127 S. It is the “big church on the hill” as we locals call it.
Here are a few other local offerings scheduled for this season:
You can help a not-for-profit and listen to a musical extravaganza tonight in the Fairfield Glade area. Fairfield Glade Christ Lutheran Church will present their fourth annual Sounds of the Season Christmas concert at 6 p.m., tonight, Dec. 15. Special guests will join members of the church’s Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir as they bring the sights and sounds of the season to life during this much anticipated Christmas tradition. Musical selections will include both sacred and secular favorites. An offering will be taken to benefit the Avalon Center in Crossville. Christ Lutheran Church is at 481 Snead Dr. in the Glade. The concert is free.
The Palace Theatre will be showing the movie “Elf” Saturday night after the Christmas Parade. It will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6. Sponsored by REMAX Finest, this charity show is $5 and will include an Elf costume contest, silent auction, and door prizes. All proceeds go towards the Grant Bullock Scholarship Fund.
The Palace will continue to show holiday movies through Christmas.
First National Bank’s “Parade of Christmas Trees” are trimmed and available for viewing through Dec. 27. The trees are decorated by church organizations, nonprofits and schools. FNB is at 1386 N. Main St.
The Cumberland County Playhouse is presenting the classic “White Christmas” on the Main Stage through Friday, Dec. 22. Call the Playhouse box office for ticket prices and show times at 931-484-5000.
Kimbro Farm’s “Hometown Christmas” continues through this weekend. Go by and walk through the Christmas Lighted Corn Maze.
Lake Tansi Village’s third annual North Pole Village will be open Saturday, Dec. 16, and again on Saturday, Dec. 23. Participants will be able to enjoy hot cocoa, treats, and even Santa! The hours are 6-8 p.m. on both Saturdays. If you go tomorrow night, you may want to take long gloves, hats and coats. They are being collected for Bread of Life Rescue Mission.
If you prefer to stay home one night and relax, then may I suggest watching “Christmas on the Coast” with Cumberland County native Julie Ann Emery. The holiday themed showing on the Great American Family Channel.
Last, but certainly not least, Lantana Road Baptist Church will once again present their Live Nativity. It will be available to the public from Friday, Dec. 22-Sunday, Christmas Eve. The hours are 5-8 p.m.
This is my last column for 2023. Please allow me to wish you a joyous holiday season and an incredibly happy and healthy 2024!