Downtown North Wilkesboro was filled with thousands Friday night as people from the community came to celebrate the 16th annual Light Up Downtown.
North Wilkesboro Mayor Robert Johnson, with help from members of his family and members of the Wilkes County All-Star girls’ softball team, flipped a switch and lit up the town at the conclusion of a ceremony beginning around 6 p.m.
The mayor and his family and the softball team members, standing on the Ninth Street stage, also entertained the crowd with “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and other carols.
Johnson thanked the throng of people for attending the event, which annually kicks off the Christmas season. He said Thanksgiving, which will be celebrated Thursday, “is a day we need to recognize every day of the year.”
“Here Comes Santa Claus” was the theme for the event and, accordingly, the jolly old elf put in lots of overtime as the line to see him at Melody Square Mall wrapped around the building at times. Each child visiting Santa received a free gift thanks to sponsors Brame Huie Pharmacy, Lisa and Wade Laufenberg and the Wilkes Pediatric Clinic.
Santa’s Workshop also proved to be a successful new addition. Several parents were happy to have an option for older children. Participants were each able to make a special holiday ornament under the direction of art teacher Jeffrey Elmore, who was recently elected to his second term as a North Wilkesboro commissioner. This portion of the event was sponsored in part by grassroots funding from the North Carolina Arts Council through the Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes.
Reindeer Land was a big hit again this year, as the Wilkes Art Gallery had a crowd throughout the evening. The activities were moved upstairs in the WAG, giving Smart Start more room to serve all the children visiting. Children heard stories from Mrs. Claus, made ornaments and reindeer antlers, and had their faces painted.
Two entertainment stages were part of Light Up Downtown this year, with one on Ninth Street and the other in Brushy Mountain Ruritan Park at the corner of Main and 10th streets.
Performers at the event represented Tonya’s Academy of Dance, Foothills Cloggers and the Wilkes County Line Dancers, Studio 68 dancers, Bobby Billings, the Footloose Cloggers, Raised on Praise Dance Company, Unified City Church, the Wilkes Playmakers, the Millers Creek United Methodist Church handbell choir and the drama department from the Wilkes County schools, led by Wes Martin.
Since the event kicks off the Christmas shopping season, several retailers stayed open late.
The competition in the window decorating contest was fierce this year as several of the downtown merchants got into the holiday spirit with their decorations. Windows were judged in three different categories: attractiveness, creativity, and theme orientation. Taupe Gallery at 807-A Main Street was voted most attractive, followed by Ivy Ridge Traditions.
Kemp Salon at 920 C Street was voted most creative and also topped the best use of theme category. The window, designed by Reggie Kemp, Kara Elmore and Jim Horton, incorporated the event’s theme with a scene depicting Santa’s helpers. In addition, Kemp Salon also won top honors as overall winner, followed by Cassie Stone Photography, located at 819 Main Street. The people’s choice award, voted on throughout the night by event attendees, was awarded to Gloria Sews, followed closely by Sharon Lyall, CPA. Gloria Sews is located at 315 10th Street.
Light Up Downtown kicks off the holiday shopping season and has become one of the community’s most beloved annual events. The event was organized by Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro Inc.
Additional sponsors included the Town of North Wilkesboro, Wilkes Regional Medical Center, Wilkes Journal Patriot, Blue Ridge Tractor, Wilkes Smart Start and Mayor Robert Johnson.
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