The Holiday Season Kicks Off In Forest City With Annual Lighting Ceremony

More than one million lights make up the holiday display in Forest City. Visitors from across the Southeast travel to the town to view them.

The holiday season will officially begin in downtown Forest City Thursday night during the Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. 

“We’re kind of like Bedford Falls from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’” explained Town of Forest City Downtown Development Director Amy Bridges. “We have folks from all over the Southeast visit during the holiday season.” 

This year the switch to turn on the more than one million Christmas lights will be flipped by Forest City-Dunbar Elementary first grader Riley Carpenter. Riley has been unable to attend school this year because she has leukemia. 

Also during the lighting ceremony, an open house will be held at Santa’s House, which has been completely redecorated inside, Bridges said. 

“Horn’s Home and Garden helped with the decor,” she said. “Santa also has a new chair this year thanks to the Recliner Center in Rutherfordton.” 

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy’s Elementary School will be providing pictures at Santa House again for $3; children can talk to Santa at no charge. 

Music during Thursday’s lighting ceremony will be provided by the Foothills Community Choir. There will also be ice skating and the presentation of the 2014 Facebook Community Action Grant Awards.

The holiday fanfare will continue this weekend at the Forest City Christmas Parade on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Forest City Merchants Association, more than 300 entries will include floats, dance studios, bands and more. Grand marshal for this year’s parade is the Rev. Leroy Staley, pastor of New Bethel AME Zion Church in the Grahamtown community. 

With activities for young and old, the holiday events continue to draw crowds year after year.

“We definitely have repeat visitors,” Bridges concluded. “I think most people make it a part of their Christmas traditions.” 

If the Town of Forest City’s Holiday Activities are part of your family’s traditions, there are more opportunities to take part. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.forestcityevents.com or ‘like’ Forest City Events on Facebook.