This Weekend in the Valley Jackson Tree Lighting The Town of Jackson will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. on the Historic Courthouse Square. Activities this year will include the tree lighting, illumination of the town, caroling, violin player, wassail, hot chocolate, holiday cookies, fire-pit, outdoor showing of “A Christmas Carol” on a wide-screen TV, visit from Santa, and a special attraction again this year will be horse drawn carriage rides through the historic district. Everyone is encouraged to join friends and neighbors in ushering in the holiday season and spreading holiday cheer. Gaston Tree Lighting & Parade The Town of Gaston will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, at the Town Hall, 223 Craige St. Refreshments will follow at the E. E. Odom Center. The Christmas parade has been scheduled for 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. For an entry form and information, call (252) 537-1046. The grand marshall will be Louise Bailey, the Town Mayor Pro Tem/Commissioner, former commander of the Gaston Rescue Squad who currently serves as the squad’s treasurer. She has been employed with Moncure’s for 40 years and is a member of Gaston First Baptist Church, where she serves as the pianist. She is well known for her community support. Christmas Bazaar The Halifax County Arts Council will present a Holiday Homemade Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at Becker Village Mall. For information, call (252) 532-2571 or visit www.halifaxarts.com. Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade The 2008 Roanoke Rapids Christmas Parade, presented by the Halifax County Arts Council will be presented from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland.” For information, call (252) 532-2571 or visit www.halifaxarts.com. Seaboard Christmas Parade The Town of Seaboard will hold its annual Christmas parade at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. The line up will be at 12:45 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m., today, Dec. 5. For information, call Laquitia Barnes at (252) 578-5079. Vendors set up fee will be $50. The theme will be “A Celebration of Love, Joy and Peace Within Our Community.” There will be a drop off for anyone who wishes to bring non-perishable can goods for needy families. Rich Square Christmas Parade Members of the Rich Square Community Club are accepting participants in the annual Rich Square Christmas Parade, to be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Line-up for participants will begin at 9 a.m., at the CADA facility on Highway 258 North, and disassemble at Rich Square-Creecy Elementary School. For information contact Dollie S. Bishop at (252) 539-2872, Helen L. O’Phelia at 539-4266, or John E. Pellam at 539-2946. Lunch & Storytime with Santa The Gasburg Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary will host a lunch and story time with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at the firehouse located at 1705 Baird St., Gasburg, Va. Lunch is $4 per person and pictures are $5 per person. Lunch will consist of Domino’s pizza, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, dessert and a beverage. There will be several activities for the kids to do while awaiting the arrival of Santa. Pictures and story time will start at 11:30 a.m. Tickets will be available at the door, or call (434) 577-2971 and leave a message. All proceeds will benefit the fire department. For information or directions call 577-2971 or 577-2561. Prelude to Christmas in Warrenton Visit historic Warrenton and enjoy the Christmas spirit during the second annual Prelude to Christmas from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Courthouse Square, downtown Warrenton. The event will include carriage rides, music, face painting, a gingerbread house contest, lighting of a community Christmas tree and visits with Santa in the new Santa House. Downtown shops will be open for Christmas shopping and gift buying. For information or directions to Warrenton, contact Anne Harris at (252) 257-3128 or (252) 257-4530. Christmas on the Commons Scotland Neck’s 5th Annual Christmas on the Commons will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7. This is a community event held on the Town Commons with Christmas carols, holiday treats and a visit from Santa Claus. Live musical performances will begin at 3 p.m. For information call (252) 826-3152 or log onto www.townofscotlandneck.com. Music @ david’s Michael Redman, well known jazz musician, will perform every Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at david’s restaurant. David Johnson, singer and guitarist, will perform every Saturday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Music @ Java Junction Bluegrass and country music is every Friday from 7 to 11 p.m., and bluegrass is every Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m., at Java Junction, 1019 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids. ‘Peter Pan’ Continues to Play “Peter Pan”continues through Dec. 13. Shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, today, Dec. 6, 12 and 13, with two Sunday matinees scheduled for Dec. 7 and 14, and a new Saturday matinee on Dec. 13. A school day matinee will be held on Dec. 4. For information, call (252) 586-3124, 586-5577 or toll-free at 1-877-330-0574. Music @ Timeless Tea Timeless Tea on Roanoke Avenue has David Johnson on the guitar from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday night for dinner. Acoustic Jam & Party First Friday Acoustic Jam Christmas program and WEZU Christmas party will be at 7 p.m., Friday, at Halifax Community College, Room 108. Featured will be area bluegrass bands and pickers including Chambergrass. There will be free refreshments and the program will be taped for radio to be broadcast on 95.9 FM in the new year.For information, call (252) 586-3878. Karaoke @ Hux’s Country karaoke featuring Donald Casey is every Saturday from 9 p.m.-until, at Hux’s Billiards in Roanoke Rapids. FOA Karaoke The Fraternal Order of Eagles will hold karaoke with DJ Nat Adams from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Anniversary Celebration The Musical Disciples of Roanoke Rapids will celebrate their 15th anniversary at 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, at Kirkwood Adams Community Center in Roanoke Rapids. Participants include The Mighty Pilgrim Harmoneers of Henderson, praise dancers, The Spiritual Wonders of Tampa, Fla., and The Musical Disciples. ‘Cinderella’ Auditions Auditions for the February presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday and Monday, Dec. 7-8, at Lakeland Theatre Company in Littleton. Director Debra Wright will cast all roles at this audition. “Cinderella” opens Feb. 20 and will run through March 8. Shows will be held Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday afternoons, and all actors will have to be available for school day matinees on Feb. 26 and March 5. Rehearsals will begin in January. Musical direction is by Jennifer Meinsen. Callbacks, if necessary, will take place at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9. All roles are available. For information, call (252) 586-3124, 586-5577 or toll-free at 1-877-330-0574. |