BAKERSVILLE — Saturday, Dec. 5 was Youth Day in Bakersville and the Christmas ‘Neath the Roan planning committee designed two unique events.
The first allowed families to drop by Bowman Middle School, meet Santa’s 4-H Clover elves, give them their letters to Santa and wave at Santa who was in his signature long, red coat.
Several children declared that this was the “real” Santa because he knew their names and had a real beard.
The elves agreed that they would ensure that Santa read everyone’s list and were also on hand to sell the new Christmas ‘Neath the Roan T-shirts.
Wreaths and bows adorned the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children’s Booth and many people stopped by to purchase one or more and support the organization.
Theresa Lewis Photography was available to take pictures for Christmas cards or for framing. She will continue taking pictures throughout the season.
Bakersville had another first on Youth Day with a temporary drive-in theatre at Bowman.
More than 65 people rolled up in cars and trucks for the showing of The Polar Express. The Youth Day staff provided popcorn and bottled water for each participant.
Leading the efforts for Youth Day were Mitchell County Cooperative Extension Director Eve Kindley and her staff, volunteers Misti Silver, Beth Brewer and Brandon Pittman and Jennifer Simpson and her Blue Ridge Partnership staff.
Elves were all members of the Creative Clovers 4-H Club.
Glistening lights in white and an array of colors are everywhere in Bakersville with it’s second annual “Christmas ‘Neath the Roan” Festival.
The Creek Walk has been dressed with garland, bows, deer and lights. Rhododendron Park celebrates the Christmas Tree Industry with lighted trees and large ornaments.
A 40-foot tree has been erected on the roof of the Bakersville Fire Department and many businesses and homes have been illuminated more than in years past.
The Mountain Trail of Lights starts in Bakersville and beyond and leads through Spruce Pine to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Businesses in town have donated unique items from their stores for the drawings being held each Wednesday and Saturday. Check out Just Local’s window and the ChristmasNeathTheRoan.com website to see the pieces.
Ceramic coffee mugs, candles, a large uranium glass sugar and creamer, gift certificates to area businesses and a custom handmade wreath are available and items expand each day. To enter the drawings, visit businesses, purchase an item of $15 or more, fill out the form and drop in the bin in each business.
They will be merged with each drawing.