It is easy to get so caught up in the spirit of the season that we forget those who work or volunteer every day – holiday or not. On Saturday, Dec. 16, Alderson will offer some very special opportunities to say thank you to our Alderson Volunteer Fire Department and EMS.
They are holding a chili dinner from 6-8 p.m. at the fire department, located on Railroad Avenue on the Monroe side of Alderson. For a donation, visitors can enjoy a bowl of chili with a piece of cornbread. Santa will arrive at 6:15 p.m. just in case a little one has one more request of him before his annual visit. The Alderson Elementary School choir will present a medley of traditional and new Christmas music.
That evening, the AVFD will sponsor the “drive under the lights” of the Alderson Memorial Bridge. Visitors can either drive their own cars or hitch a ride from the fire station on Alderson’s first fire truck – a 1931 Model A Ford! Donations are appreciated.
New this year is the opportunity to create a permanent memory of this Christmas season with your family. Tarnished Halo Creations photography will offer the opportunity of family Christmas pictures or pictures with Santa. A variety of photo packages will be offered at affordable prices.
Alderson shops will be open all day for what is soon to be last minute Christmas shopping! The fabulous light show continues on the south end of Maple Avenue every half hour from Monday through Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 6:30-9 p.m., courtesy of Eyes on You Security.
Santaland continues to be open at Alderson Alumni Park just at the end of the Memorial Bridge on the Monroe County side of Alderson. Little ones and bigger ones alike can visit Santa’s workshop and have their photo taken in Santa’s sleigh. Mrs. Claus sometimes comes by to check on things and is available to chat or have her photo taken.
It is a tradition for many in Alderson to go to the Community Cantata at the Old Greenbrier Baptist Church. Their choir is joined by other voices from throughout the community, under the direction of Dell Wood and accompanied by Nancy Wood. It is always an inspiring event which leaves its listeners with a sense of contentment and readiness for Christmas. This year the cantata will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 at OGBC. Light refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the concert.
On the last weekday before Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 23, the “drive under the lights” will be sponsored by the Grand Illumination to help defray some of the costs of the holiday decorations. This will be the last chance this year to have this old fashioned experience from the days when the Alderson Memorial Bridge was open to vehicular traffic all the time.
Mayor Travis Copenhaver said, “This season goes so quickly that we sometimes feel we missed it. Alderson provides an opportunity to make some family memories that will last until next year. We hope to see you soon.”
