On Friday, November 21, 2008 our community will celebrate the 16th annual Downtown Albemarle Christmas event from 5:30 – 9:00 pm. An important addition to this year’s celebration will be the collection of non-perishable food items and new unwrapped toys for Stanly Community Christian Ministry. These items may be brought to Courthouse Square on the evening of Friday, November 21 to be placed in the Christmas sleigh.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony will take place at Courthouse Square Park at 6 o’clock. Plan to be there when Mayor Whit Whitley lights the Christmas tree and turns on the city’s Christmas lights to officially open the holiday season.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP at the Stanly County Public Library from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be paying a visit to Albemarle on Friday, November 21.They have arranged to arrive at Court House Square Park at 6 o’clock in a horse drawn carriage. Following the lighting of a Christmas tree at the square, Santa & Mrs. Claus will go to the lower level of the Stanly County Public Library where they look forward to visiting with children from 6:30 – 8:30.

Stanly Regional Medical Center is sponsoring Santa’s Workshop. Children are invited to join volunteers from Stanly County Partnership for Children and learn how to make a unique ornament to take home. Adults are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture this special time with Santa in his workshop.

SHOPPING

Local merchants will open their doors for holiday shoppers. Drop in to see many unique holiday items, make your wish list, or just get great ideas for those on your gift list. Merchants will be participating in a window-decorating contest, so be sure to enjoy their creative displays.

HOLIDAY HAYRIDE

Holiday hayrides will be available throughout the evening courtesy of Bowers Implement Company. Riders will board the holiday hayride at the square at Second and Main Street. The ride will travel along Main Street from the square to Depot Street and then to the Five Points area and back to the square.

This is a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas as you travel up and down Main Street. Local businesses will be decorated for the holidays.

ENTERTAINMENT & LOCATIONS

COURTHOUSE SQUARE PARK COLONNADE

6:00 Opening Ceremony

Welcome: Chris Bramlett, ADDC Board Chairman
Invocation: Rev. Clyde Penry, Pastor - Central United Methodist Church
Announce: Donations in sleigh for Stanly County Community Ministry
Arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus
Tree Lighting: Mayor Whit Whitley
Music and Dance interlude: City Youth Ballet
Dancers will remain at sleigh to collect food & toys for SCCM

6:15 - 6:45 Pfeiffer Jazz Ensemble
6:45 - 7:15 Singing Americans of Stanly County
7:15 - 7:45 Pfeiffer Concert Choir
7:45 - 8:15 Pfeiffer Jazz Ensemble
8:15 - 8:45 Stanly County Chorale

COURTHOUSE

6:30 - 7:30 Cheer Corps

ELI'S

6:15 - 7:00 Central United Methodist Church Handbell Choir
7:00 - 7:15 City Youth Ballet excerpt from The Nutcracker
7:15 - 7:30 Park Ridge Christian School Chorus
7:30 - 8:00 Tapestry

ANTIQUE MARKET OF ALBEMARLE

Beginning at 6:15 The Talent Company

Sound sponsored by Hartsell Funeral Home
Provided by Tim Harris Audio

FOOD VENDORS

ADDC Design Committee
Chili

American Legion Post 520
Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate, Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Chips

Central Elementary School PTO
Pizza & Soft Drinks

Christ the King Christian Academy
Hot Cider, Russian Tea, Milk, Homemade Candies/Cookies & Fudge

Congregational Christian Church
Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Chips, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Soft Drinks

Monarch-Papa’s Arc
White Chili, Water, & Cookies

North Stanly Band Parents Association
Brunswick Stew, Hot Dogs/Corn Dogs, Fries/Chili Cheese Fries, Nachos, Soft Drinks

Republican Women of Stanly County
Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Brownies, Cookies, Sliced Cake

Richfield 8th Grade Parents
Chicken Stew, Taco Soup, Cinnamon Bread, Sweet Tea, Soft Drinks, Lemonade

Stanly Regional Medical Center
Hot Chocolate & Specialty Coffees

Pack and Troop 28
Popcorn, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Soft Drinks, Hot Dogs

Also visit this participating restaurant:
First Street Diner

Cruisin' Albemarle