The Bowman girls’ basketball team prepares wreaths for the tree.
The lights twinkled and glowed as the switch was flipped and Bakersville kicked off its holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 27.
Bakersville Mayor Charles Vines, 2021 North Carolina Rhododendron Queen Taylor Lord and Junior Rhododendron Queen Alyssa Hemphill did the honors. Residents from around the county came to see the new additions to the Christmas ‘Neath the Roan Creek Walk display, how businesses and homes were decorated and to listen to the Holiday Concert.
Ornaments on this year’s tree are made of sheet music that was crafted into angels by Gouge Elementary second graders. These elementary students also made and donated button art fashioned into baby trees for the decor.
The act of kindness was enhanced by a request by the Bowman Middle girls’ basketball team. Head coach Sarah Woody supported the efforts of her players to carefully secure the ornaments with wire and place them all over the town tree in an act of service to the community.
Dr. Charles Nash and the Bakersville Town Council sponsored the Holiday Concert at Bowman Auditorium. The stage was aglow with festive lighting and was enhanced by the magical talents of the musicians themselves.
Tight performances brought tears to the eyes of many as they reflected on the season and its meaning. Among the performers were: Sam McKinney, William Ritter, Sarah Ogletree, Rhonda Gouge and Roan Mountain Range, Ritchie Crowder, Tobi Crowder, Jonah Riddle and Carolina Express.
Three more weeks of Christmas ‘Neath the Roan promise to keep the spirit alive “Neath the Roan Mountain.
What's next?
Christmas ‘Neath the Roan is Bakersville’s gift to the community during the holiday season.
There are four weekends of activities for children and children at heart and of course, great choices to shop local.
“Our town is made more special by the many volunteers who put so much effort into Christmas ‘Neath the Roan,” said Mayor Charles “Chuck” Vines. “There is something for everyone during the four-week celebration. See for yourself.”
The Town of Bakersville is lighting itself up for Christmas. Volunteers have been hard at work to turn the community into a winter wonderland. The lights have been flipped on and the town is bright. Take the opportunity to put your family in your vehicle and ride throughout the county on the Mountain Christmas Trail of Lights.
Volunteers are making sure that Bakersville, Gateway to the Roan and Home to the Arts, provides visitors with an array of spectacular lighting along the Creek Walk, up and down the streets and along the highway into and beyond the town limits.
The Holiday Concert set the mood for participants to begin their celebration.
Bakersville’s Annual Christmas Parade will roll down North Mitchell on Saturday, Dec. 4 beginning at 6 p.m. Widely acclaimed as “the prettiest parade around,” this year will continue that heritage. There is no charge to participate and all welcome to enter.
Grand Marshalls Harley and John Masters will lead the parade. Santa and Mrs. Claus will officially ring in the season with their enthusiastic “Ho! Ho! Ho!” All entries between promise to make the 2021 parade one to remember.
The Journey to the Manger comes alive again on Dec. 10 and 11 on the Creek Walk. The journey begins at the Fire Department side of the Creek Walk at 6 p.m. and runs to 9 p.m. Attendees should expect to move along the journey for about 30–45 minutes. This year’s event will tell more of the events Mary and Joseph experienced on their journey. The journey begins with scenes that are a preview of the biblical accounts along the way. Guides will introduce each scene as the stories come alive.
The scenes are created by individuals, families and churches and include:
Gabriel Appears to Mary
Mary and Elizabeth Visit to Share News of their Babies
Announcing the Birth of John, the Baptist
Angel Appears to Joseph
Betrothal – Mary Goes to Joseph
Decree to Participate in Census
No Room at the Inn
Shepherds Prepare to Follow the Star
Star in the East and Maji
These scenes lead travelers to the Manger. This scene completes the journey. The Manger Scene includes Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and a heavenly host of angels.
At the base and around the scene are animals from days of old. Donkeys, cows, a goat and lambs appear with their keepers. The live camel from 2019 is returning this year and will be at the Manger with a Maji for both nights of the story. An empty tomb and cross appear in the distance to complete the story. Join your friends, family and church family to celebrate the “reason for the season.”
Dec. 18 is deemed Children and Family Day ‘Neath the Roan. Breakfast with Santa is available through pre-registration on the ChristmasNeathTheRoan.com website. There are seatings at 8:30 a.m and 10:30 a.m at the Bakersville Fire Department. The cost is $6 per attendee and children will eat a nutritious breakfast, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and make an ornament to take home. There are limited seats so register early.
The last event for the season is a showing of the movie “Elf” at Bowman Middle School on the Dec. 18. It has been dubbed “Reels on Wheels,” and allows families to experience the movie in their cars. Popcorn and water will be provided. There is no charge but your family must register for their golden ticket to participating. A limited number of cars that can get into the area makes your registration necessary. More information is available at the new website: christmasneaththeroan.com or by emailing info@christmasneaththeroan.com.