Amy Lotven /Herald Staff Writer

Todd Wetherington | Daily Herald Local residents gathered on the lawn beside the Roanoke Canal Museum Saturday to enjoy the music, crafts and other entertainment at the second annual “Christmas on the Canal” event. Advertisement

Roanoke Rapids - Although the weather was almost balmy, the spirit of Christmas was in the air at the Roanoke Rapids Canal Museum & Trail Saturday afternoon for the second annual “Christmas on the Canal” event.

Outside the historic brick structure that now houses the museum, hordes of smiling family members and friends watched as the members of Chaloner Middle School's “Jingle Bell Jacket” band worked their way through such classic numbers as “Jingle Bells,” “Up on the Rooftop” and many more.

Around noon, museum officials estimated nearly 250 people had already stopped by to enjoy the festivities.

Ginger Phipps, standing near the plates of homemade cookies, brownies and other treats, said the event, which started at 10 a.m, was a bit slow getting started but quickly picked up.

Staff member Cheryl Brown confirmed the crowd was stronger than last year, a fact she attributed to the inclusion of the bands and other music.

Earlier the Roanoke Rapids High School Jazz Ensemble had performed in the basement and later in the afternoon David Smith was scheduled to play guitar.

There were also kiddy craft periods planned, and all visitors were welcome to explore the museum exhibits throughout the day.

In fact, Museum Manager Harold Jacobsen said getting more people to the museum - and having fun - was the point of the event. Unlike the annual festival held in October, this was not for educational or other purposes. “This is just us having fun,” he said.

Vicki Pruden of Roanoke Rapids was enjoying herself on her second visit to the museum. Her daughter, Starla, a student at Manning Elementary school was also having a nice time. Her favorite part was the music, but she also liked playing with the computer exhibit.

The pair had previously visited with Pruden's father, who lives in Burlington. He had heard about the newly-formed museum and really wanted to visit. According to Pruden, he was very impressed and she was, too.

Jacobsen also noted that even though there were visitors from out of town, the Christmas event was a good way to introduce area residents to a local treasure. Often tourist attractions are overlooked by those living nearby, but this was a good, fun way to showcase the museum.