Lighting up the city
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on November 22, 2017 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Grayson Rupert, 4, tells Santa that he would like eight matchbox cars, Legos and bubbles for Christmas as he sits on his lap during Downtown Lights Up in front of Goldsboro City Hall Tuesday night.
Children played in the snow, waited to sit on Santa's lap and thousands watched as Christmas lights were lit in downtown Goldsboro during the annual Downtown Lights Up Tuesday evening.
The ceremonial flip of the light switch by Mayor Chuck Allen officially kicked off the Christmas season for the city of Goldsboro.
White lights along Center Street lit a path for families, couples and others to walk through downtown, which became a Christmas village, complete with hot chocolate, Christmas music, ice skating and all the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
Colored Christmas lights were also turned on at the large magnolia tree, in the Ash Street circle, and on the city's water tower, which can be seen throughout Goldsboro during the holiday season.
"It's a great opportunity for families to do something together," said Brenda Sullivan, as she watched the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" in the John Street parking lot. "It helps with the free hot chocolate and cookies, the kids love the snow and they enjoy the crafts."
Sullivan takes her three kids to the event each year and planned to make a night of it, staying until it ended at 8 p.m. She looks forward to Downtown Lights Up each year not only for her children but also because of the popular horse-drawn trolley rides.
"We do not leave until Mom gets her trolley ride," Sullivan said. "I don't care how long the line is. We're not leaving until Mom gets her trolley ride. That's our tradition."
Lauren Gower's two children also sat quietly watching the movie, which may have been for the first time, she said. Gower looks forward to the family friendly, no-cost event hosted by the city.
"It's always a good event," she said. "We wouldn't miss it, and it's grown over the years."
Down near City Hall, families lined up near Santa's sleigh, in the median that was covered with snow, created by a snow machine in a seasonably warm evening.
Jamir Monroe got the chance to sit on Santa's lap and said he's tried to be good throughout the year.
"I'm just trying to be nice," the 7-year-old said. "I'm just trying to be good.
"I said I wanted a Chucky doll, the Minecraft characters and Roblox. He said he's going to get everything under my tree."
His father, Michael Smith, said Downtown Lights Up is an event he looks forward to every year.
"I love the Downtown Lights Up," he said. "It's a wonderful thing to come to every year -- the crowd, the people, the snow. What a wonderful experience. It puts you in the Christmas spirit."
Many downtown stores were open, offering specials and holiday treats, like hot chocolate and candy canes.
Denise Simendinger, owner of the Southern Rebel Boutique, opened her new store right before the start of Downtown Lights Up, with a 4 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"We're opening right before Christmas, so, hopefully, people can come get some Christmas shopping done," she said. "We're fairly new to Goldsboro. I'm just hoping to bring West Coast California style to Goldsboro."
The store, at 102 E. Walnut St., is offering promotions and deals through the season, including during Small Business Saturday, on Nov. 25, two days after Thanksgiving.
She enjoyed Downtown Lights Up, while serving customers at the store Tuesday night.
"It's amazing," she said. "I love the festivals they have. It has a small town and a family friendly feel to it."