City prepares to 'light up' downtown for holidays
By From staff reports
Published in News on November 15, 2012 1:46 PM
Full Size
News-Argus file photo
The city will hold its annual Christmas lighting ceremony, officially kicking off the holiday season on Tuesday. The burst of lights at last year's event brings joy to a little girl's face.
The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp.'s lighting ceremony at Historic City Hall will mark more than the beginning of the holiday season Tuesday as the city will celebrate the ribbon cutting of the first phase of the Center Street Streetscape Project.
Mayor Al King will throw the switch to turn on the city's holiday lights at 5:30 p.m., beginning a night of holiday entertainment ranging from skits and songs to trolley rides.
King will also cut the ribbon announcing the end of the city's nearly six-month effort to renovate the 200 north block of Center Street through widened sidewalks, adding new trees and installing a median walkway.
The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 5:20 p.m.
The City Hall Christmas tree has been relocated to the median where it will be surrounded by newly planted trees, all clad in lights.
The city's holly trees along the unfinished blocks will be lit, as will the roundabout magnolia and the city's iconic water tower.
Vendors will have sweets, hot cocoa and activities for children along with Holiday Trolley Rides, which will run from 5 until 8 p.m.
The trolley rides will continue to be offered each Tuesday through Dec. 18.
Santa Claus will speak with children at the free, family-friendly event. Face painting will be available from Balloons and Clowns.