TOWN OF CARY TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Highlights include Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5-Figure Donation and Winter Festival

CARY, NC – The tree will be lit and the mood will be light when the Town of Cary officially kicks off the holiday season in downtown Cary on Saturday, December 3, 2005.  Everyone is invited to join WB22 Anchor Bob Vernon, Cary Mayor Ernie McAlister and the Town Council at Town Hall for the Official Town of Cary Tree Lighting and Holiday Variety Show at 6 p.m. along with a host of yuletide festivities that begin at 10 a.m.  Town Hall is located at 316 North Academy Street .

“We are looking forward to another heartwarming celebration at this year’s Holiday Tree Lighting,” said Town of Cary Festival Coordinator Joy Cox .  “It’s a wonderful time to bring your blanket and your loved-ones out to the Town Hall campus and welcome in the holiday season with your neighbors. The lighting of the tree is just one of the many treats in store for guests.”

In the spirit of holiday giving, a surprise donor will present a five-figure donation to Oasis – a program designed to help individuals needing assistance with Town of Cary utility bills.  Hearts will also be warmed during the Holiday Variety Show with performances by talented Cary performers:  The Encore Singers, Ashlyn Terry, Bill Smith, Allison Powell, Jo Ann Sweeney, Donna Parker, Eric Santiago, Hope’s Calling, April Little and Peter Smith and Jane Muldoon-Smith.

“There is a little something for everyone at this year’s festival,” said Cox.  “For the young at heart, Santa Clause will be coming to town from noon to 4 p.m.  Children are also invited to visit the Oasis booth, sponsored by the Town, during the Ole Time Winter Festival where they can enter the Color the Camel contest, learn more about the Oasis program and give to help others in need.”

The Heart of Cary Association’s Ole Time Winter Festival will be held on the streets of downtown Cary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Festival-goers can enjoy arts and crafts, entertainment, food, activities, and more. Downtown shops will be open all day.  

Holiday cheer continues 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Annual Page-Walker Arts & History Center Open House.  Decorated for the holidays by the Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel, guests will be able to visit the Cary Heritage Museum , enjoy refreshments and music by Moment's Notice Jazz Trio, and participate in activities celebrating the holidays. The Town of Cary ’s Water Conservation program will be on hand with its holiday "giftaway" campaign.   Cary utility customers can get free water-saving devices such as rain gauges, showerheads, and faucet aerators.

Festival-goers are also invited to attend the Concert Singers of Cary Holiday Pops Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Herbert C. Young Community Center . The program includes a delightful selection of seasonal classics, modern works appropriate to the holiday, and traditional carols. Ticket information is available by calling (919) 678-1009.

The holiday celebration concludes with the Cary Players and the Town of Cary ’s presentation of “A Christmas Story” at 7:30 p.m. at the Old Cary Elementary School Auditorium.  The Cary Players and the Town of Cary collaborate to present the beloved holiday classic, featuring local children and adults who bring Ralphie Parker to life and his quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Philip Grecian’s adaptation includes all your favorite scenes from the motion picture: exploding furnaces, triple dog dares, and the infamous woman’s leg lamp. The play will be performed December 2-4 and December 9-11.  Ticket information is available by calling (910) 469-4061. 

Click here for a map of the day’s activities.  In case of rain, the Tree Lighting and Variety Show will be held in the Herb Young Community Center gymnasium.  For a complete schedule of the holiday events and more, see Special Events at www.townofcary.org, or call (919) 469-4061.

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