Light Up Blue Ridge

The Christmas spirit was alive and well in Downtown Blue Ridge on November 26. A joyous light was reflected upon the faces of both children and adults. There were even a few canine friends on hand to enjoy the festivities which began shortly after 11:00 am with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Clause who rolled into town on the train. Once the train’s headlight appeared, the crowd’s anticipation and excitement reached a fever pitch, and there was another five minutes to wait before the train actually reached the depot.

When the train finally rolled to a stop, Santa and Mrs. Clause stepped from the train into an eager and happy crowd of children and adults. After a few minutes of “hellos,” the North Pole’s beloved couple made their way to their reindeer-drawn sleigh which was awaiting them in the parade line.

The parade, led by Blue Ridge Mayor Donna Whitener, contained mini-floats, classic automobiles, dance troupes and Fannin High’s marching band. Santa and Mrs. Clause were last in their sleigh.

Following the parade, the Clauses were available for pictures in front of a winter backdrop in the main gazebo. Parents with their children braved the continuously long line for the preiceless no-cost photos.

The live entertainment began around noon with Tuba Christmas which featured people from near and far with every size and type of tuba available. The acts who followed included the Center Point Dance Studio dancers, Lindsey Harper (Fannin High’s current Homecoming Queen), Studio One Dance Studio dancers, Natti Love Joys, Breaking Point and Bartlee Norton and 64 Highway featuring Emily Grace. Elves, a snowman and a gingerbread man joined the crowd in dancing to tunes the bands were playing, which ranged from acoustic selections to reggae, and classic rock to Christmas songs.

Trackless train rides and pony rides helped pass the day for the children. Everyone enjoyed the vendors who were selling Christmas-themed items, jewelry, apparel and edible items.

Shortly after 5:00, the organizers of Light Up Blue Ridge and Mayor Whitener presented a check to Open Arms, a local home for abused and neglected children. All proceeds from Light Up Blue Ridge benefitted Open Arms.

As the breezy, sun-lit day bowed to a chillier night, the long-awaited lighting of the great tree was upon us. As members of 64 Highway and Emily Grace were hitting the high notes in “O Holy Night,” the tree came to life. The musicians then continued their set on the stage that was set up at the end of the depot in the barricaded street.

The organizers and Mayor Whitener thanked everyone who made this year’s event a tremendous success. It was an enjoyable day for everyone who attended.