BY DEBBIE PAGE
Troutman Parks and Recreation Coordinator Emily Watson, the Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Friends of ESC Park group are planning a full slate holiday fun events for the community to enjoy the town’s amenities and to get to know their neighbors.
Holiday decorations are already going up along the greenway and in the park in preparation for the events. Town Manager Ron Wyatt encourages community members to create special Christmas pictures with friends and family along the greenway and at the Depot and ESC Park.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting is Thursday, December 1, at 6 p.m. at the Pavilion at ESC Park. Come enjoy Christmas carols, hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit from Santa for girls and boys of all ages.
TROUTMAN CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Troutman Christmas Parade, sponsored by D.R. Horton, will be held on Saturday, December 3, at 11 a.m. The town extends an invitation for citizens, groups, nonprofits, and businesses to participate in the parade. There is no cost to participate, but applications must be received by Wednesday, November 25.
Community members are invited to set up viewing areas along the parade route, starting at Career Academy and Technical School (350 Old Murdock Road) and traveling Eastway Drive to Troutman Baptist Church (305 Perry Road).
In lieu of an application fee, the town will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. They are in need of toys for all ages of children and usually have more difficulty getting toys for children 12 years and up.
A trailer to collect the toys will also travel behind Santa in the parade. Parade spectators can donate as the trailer comes by them on the parade route or bring toys to Town Hall (400 North Eastway Drive) anytime between now and December 3.
Application and rules for this year’s Christmas parade are on the town website (https://www.troutmannc.gov/) or at Town Hall. Entrants must be at CATS for lineup at 10 a.m. on December 3.
Email ewatson@troutmannc.gov for additional information.
JINGLE RUN 5K
The Town of Troutman Jingle Run 5K is festive and family-friendly! The run takes place on Sunday, December 4, at 3 p.m. and will run through the Town of Troutman, starting at Troutman Town Hall (400 N. Eastway Drive)
To register for this officially timed race by McLelland Racing Team (MRT), go to www.runsignup.com or apply in person at Town Hall. Cost is $15 per person and includes a finishers’ medal and T-shirt.
Please consider donating a new toy or personal care item for My Sister’s House to support their holiday season and bring this item on race day to be collected on site.
Suggestions include pajamas (all sizes for women and children), women’s slippers, robes, scarves, mittens, toboggans, blankets, throws, and new unwrapped toys for all ages.
Ongoing needs include paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues), cleaning supplies, OTC cold & flu medication, shampoo & conditioner sets, bottled water, juice boxes, soda, dark-colored towels, washcloths, and dish towels.
Contact ewatson@troutmannc.gov with any questions.
TROUTMAN DRIVE-THRU NATIVITY
Though not a town-sponsored event, the free annual Troutman Drive-thru Live Nativity, organized by Troutman Baptist Church with participation of other area churches, will be Thursday, December 8, through Saturday, December 10, at the Iredell County Fairgrounds from 6 to 8 p.m.
The huge display features hundreds of volunteer re-enactors throughout the facility and follows the life of Jesus from birth to resurrection. The event takes about 30 minutes to drive through.
If anyone would like to participate, lots of cast member roles have to be filled for each night. There are roles for everyone of all ages — including sitting, standing, walking, acting, and riding horses.
Please leave a message for Marcia Barkley Perrell at (704) 528-5193 or go to the Troutman Drive Thru Live Nativity Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064388751523) to send a message to get more details.