BY DEBBIE PAGE
Hundreds gathered for the Troutman Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at ESC Park on Thursday night for an evening filled with holiday music, yummy treats, and a visit from Santa.
After an invocation from Pastor Todd McCollough from Wesley Chapel UMC, Town Manager Ron Wyatt welcomed the crowd, bundled up against the cold evening, to the annual event.
“This is one of our favorite community events of the year, reminding us that simple time spent with friends and neighbors is one of the reasons we love living in the town of Troutman,” he said. “We also enjoy the festive music of the various local groups and the delicious cookies and hot cocoa.”
Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Oxsher and council members Nicholas Jaroszynski and Eddie Nau represented the town council at the event.
Attendees enjoyed festive tunes from Natalie Ramos, as well as students from Troutman Elementary School and Iredell Charter Academy of Arts and Science, Ashton Benham and Harper Kate Christie, Shinnsville United Church of Christ and Wesley Chapel UMC choirs, and Walter Finley and April Dawn.
Lines were long to get that special moment and photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the newly lit Christmas tree. Hanna’s amazing Bakery was also onsite with delicious treats for purchase.
Troutman Ruritan Club members handed out free hot chocolate and cookies from Troutman Baking Company, and free s’mores kits were provided by Freedom Church. The Troutman Exchange Club helped direct parking.
Upcoming Holiday Events
ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST DECEMBER 7
The annual pre-parade Rotary Club of Troutman Pancake Breakfast with Santa is at a new location this year, the South Iredell High School cafeteria, on Saturday, December 7, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The all-you-can-eat breakfast features pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 – 12, and free for children 5 and under.
Entertainment will be provided by the South Iredell High School chorus and orchestra.
Lisa Crates Photography will once again be there to take complimentary photos of your child and family with Santa.
Proceeds from the event will go to the South Yadkin Baptist Association’s “Toy Store for Jesus” and other children within the community.
TROUTMAN CHRISTMAS PARADE DECEMBER 7
The annual Troutman Christmas Parade will be held — rain or shine — on Saturday, December 7, at 11 a.m. along Eastway Drive. The parade begins in front of at the Career Academy School (350 Old Murdock Road), travels Old Murdock Road, turns left onto Eastway Drive, and ends at Troutman Baptist Church.
Traffic along Main Street/U.S. Highway 21 through Troutman not be impacted by any road closures.
Spectators are invited to sit on Old Murdock Road near the side exit of Food Lion/Dixie’s and then along Eastway Drive from Dixie’s to Troutman Baptist Church. Road closures will begin at 10:40 a.m. so please be in place by 10:30 a.m.
Mista D’s Refreshments will be set up in the Depot Parking Lot near the main stoplight in town.
PUBLIC PARKING OPTIONS: Troutman ESC Park, Troutman Town Hall, the Downtown Depot lot, or the Downtown Wagner Street lot.
Organizers will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program! If you are interested in donating a toy, please bring your donations to the parade on Saturday, December 7, where a Marine Corps trailer will be at the end of the Christmas Parade.
Parade attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to place on the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots truck at the end of the parade. There will be helpers ready to collect your toy from you along the route — or drop them by Town Hall during normal business hours prior to parade day.
SOUTH IREDELL HIGH CRAFT BAZAAR DECEMBER 7
The South Iredell Holiday Bazaar Craft Show will be on Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school’s gymnasiums. The community can support local vendors who will be selling the perfect gifts for this holiday season before or after the parade.
DRIVE THRU LIVE NATIVITY DECEMBER 12-14
The community is invited to get into the true meaning of Christmas at the annual Troutman Drive-Thru Nativity.
This free event takes place at the Iredell County Fairgrounds (630 North Main Street) each night from Thursday, December 12, through Saturday, December 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., weather permitting.
Attendees will drive through 26 scenes from the life of Christ along the fairgrounds track, experiencing the sights and sounds of Bethlehem with 150 cast members and live animals.
JINGLE RUN 5K DECEMBER 15
The Jingle Run 5k/Walk is a festive, family-friendly run that will take place on Sunday, December 15, at 3 p.m., starting at Troutman Town Hall (400 N. Eastway Drive)
Participants are asked to dress up in their most creative, colorful holiday outfits to bring out the fun of the holiday season.
This race will be officially timed race by McLelland Racing Team (MRT). Register at www.runsignup.com/jinglerun5k or in person at Town Hall.
The cost is $30 per person, which includes a finishers’ medal.
There is an optional early packet pickup on Friday, December 13, from noon to 7 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation office at 334 North Avenue.
The event is stroller friendly, but please use caution.
The town asks that participants consider donating a new toy or personal care item on race day for My Sister’s House to support its holiday season needs.
My Sister’s House Christmas Wishlist: Pajamas (all sizes for women and children), women’s slippers, robes, scarves, mittens, toboggans, blankets, throws, and new unwrapped toys for all ages.
My Sister’s House Ongoing Needs: Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues), cleaning supplies, OTC cold and flu medication, shampoo & conditioner sets, bottled water, juice boxes, soda, dark-colored towels, washcloths, and dish towels.
Other race sponsors include Campbell Masonic Lodge, Troutman First UMC, South Iredell Baseball Team, Genesis Fitness, Freedom Church, and Card My Yard – Mooresville.
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