Downtown lighting ceremony Tuesday
By Lee Williams
Published in News on November 19, 2006 2:00 AM
By LEE WILLIAMS
News-Argus Staff Writer
Bells will be ringing and the Christmas decorations in downtown Goldsboro will be all aglow as hundreds of local residents gather for the annual holiday lighting ceremony this week.
Mayor Al King and the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. will sponsor the annual event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in front of City Hall on North Center Street. All are invited to come take a look as the Christmas lights are flicked on at 5:30 p.m. sharp.
Children and those who are young at heart won't want to miss the event dubbed, Lights Up, that will feature appearances from Santa Claus, Grinchy Claus and Miss Goldsboro. Attorney Geoff Hulse and Wayne Alley, a radio announcer for WGBR, will host the event.
Free hot cocoa and hot cider will be flowing and free doughnuts from Krispy Kreme also will be available. There will be crafts for the kids, free trolley rides and live entertainment from CenterStage.
The event also will be a perfect time for parents to pick out this year's Christmas tree and wreath to adorn their homes. The Optimist Club will host a Christmas tree and wreath sale.
For those who miss the fanfare Tuesday, don't worry. Residents and children can see the Christmas decorations in downtown Goldsboro another day.
Free trolley rides will be available every Tuesday following the Lights Up event from 6 to 8 p.m. Residents can catch the trolley in front of City Hall.
And those who love to indulge in the arts won't want to miss the North Carolina Symphony, which will perform at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Dillard Middle School.
Tickets can be purchased through the Arts Council. Residents who present a symphony ticket can get a 10 percent discount on dinner at Torero's, Koi Asian Bistro or Nahtee Thai Restaurant.