Goldsboro sets times for annual Downtown Lights Up
By From staff reports
Published in News on November 21, 2013 1:46 PM
The city of Goldsboro and the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. will host the annual Downtown Lights Up event Tuesday.
Guests will be able to enjoy free sweet treats, entertainment, hot cocoa, face painting, trolley rides and more during the event, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in front of City Hall.
Mayor Al King will kick off this year's event by announcing the winners of the city motto contest at 5:15 p.m.
Janie Godwin, owner of University Lights and this year's Downtown Goldsboro Business of the Year award recipient, will join King in switching on the holiday lights at 5:30 p.m.
Wine and Design of Goldsboro, the event's sponsor, will host an abbreviated painting class for a dozen pre-selected individuals. They welcome little ones to get creative at their children's craft table, and will also give away one free adult class and a free kids workshop slot at the end of the evening. Artwork by their artists will also be for sale that evening.
Santa Claus will be on hand to take wish lists. Local entertainment groups will perform from 5:30 to 7 p.m., singing familiar holiday favorites and acting out scenes from beloved holiday productions.
Members of the Sunrise Kiwanis Club will serve hot chocolate and pass out goodies donated by Sam's Club. Children will be able to mix up their own bag of reindeer food to take home at the DGDC booth. The Partnership for Children will host a children's craft. Krispy Kreme will pass out doughnuts and Balloons and Clowns will paint festive designs on faces, and balloon artists will create unique critters for little ones.
The city fire and police departments will escort Scruff McGruff to the event with a squad car and fire truck.
Purrrfect Friends Feline Shelter will be at the event with a cat or two looking for a loving home. The organization also will microchip pets -- $20 for the first pet, $10 for each additional one. They will also take supply donations.
Downtown Goldsboro's Holiday Trolley Rides will kick off for the season from 5 to 8 p.m., taking guests on a tour of Center Street. Trolley rides will continue to run each Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in front of City Hall Dec. 3-17.
Downtown Lights Up is a free, outdoor, family-friendly event. People are encouraged to bring their furry family member, too.