The shops and restaurants of Lewisburg transform the city into a holiday wonderland on Saturday, Nov. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 18.
This year’s event will include a full schedule of holiday activities, celebrating traditions both new and old. Hosted annually by the downtown shops and restaurants, the event kicks off the holiday season in one of America’s Coolest Small Towns!
The Lewisburg Holiday Festival is excited that the festive horse drawn carriage rides will again be offered throughout downtown on Saturday, Nov. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. each day! Catch your ride at the City Green Space, at the intersection of 219 and Washington Street, and enjoy! The charge per adult is $10 and the charge per child under 12 years of age is $5.
On their historic farm built in 1775 and located in southern West Virginia, the Rodes Family Carriage Service breeds Belgian Draft Horses. Their horses pull a white vis-à-vis carriage and are driven by the Rodes family, a team of professional drivers who have been driving for over 20 years. The carriage service is run by Jaime Rodes-Carola and her husband Jason Carola.
Also at the City Green Space, certified Executive Chef Steven Halliday will dazzle and amaze as he creates unique ice sculptures during the annual Lewisburg Holiday Festival. Chef Halliday will begin sculpting at noon on Saturday, Nov. 17, and his sculptures will remain on display throughout the festival.
Steven Halliday accredits the flourishing experience of his culinary youth to the renowned Culinary Apprenticeship Program at The Greenbrier Resort, under Chef Peter Timmins, CMC. During his apprenticeship, Steven worked side by side with many award-winning master chefs. Upon the completion of his program, Steven was awarded Apprentice of the Year 2007. In addition, he also earned several medals for cooking and ice carving competitions accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
Steven continued his career becoming a part of the opening team of the notable Volt restaurant; serving as Sous Chef for award winning Chef Bryan Voltaggio (a finalist on Bravo’s hit TV show “Top Chef” and “Top Chef Masters”).
Following the success of Volt, Steven returned to the Greenbrier Resort with renowned Chef Richard Rosendale, CMC, taking the role as the Prime 44 West chef. Steven designed and oversaw the renovation of the restaurant, which was featured on the food network, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” In 2013 Steven became the chef of the legendary restaurant, the Main Dining Room. He also served as the Chairman of the Greenbrier’s Apprenticeship Program; organizing food showings, culinary competitions, demos, training and inspiring the culinary team. Steven carved ice for guest special events and holiday events throughout his time at the Greenbrier. In 2016 Steven achieved Certified Executive Chef status.
Steven is now serving as Chef and Food and Beverage Director at Adventures on the Gorge. He is continuing to improve his career and others around him while following his passion by working with his hands and carving ice. To learn more about Chef Halliday and his ice carvings visit his website www.uniqueice.com.
At 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, join us for a Native American Gift Blanket Ceremony in the City Green Space hosted by Larry Two Rivers Brown. You are invited to bring a gift-wrapped Christmas present for a child or two, to be placed on the Gift Blanket. Following the ceremony the gifts will be given to the Family Refuge Center. The FRC will give the gifts to children in need and in their care over the holidays. (Please wrap and label your gifts, indicating boy or girl recipient and age range.)
Native American tradition has always been one of sharing what one has. No one is ever abandoned, orphaned, or left without the necessities of life, food, shelter and help. A high value is placed on giving away and sharing what is ours. Once something is given, all strings to that gift are broken. What is given always comes back to the giver on one way or another in the form of good. The holiday season is the perfect time to honor this tradition.
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be visiting downtown on both Saturday, Nov. 17, and Sunday, Nov. 18. For a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and share your Christmas Wish List, stop by the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center on Saturday or Sunday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., or from 3 to 4 p.m. Santa will be waiting! Visits with Santa are free. The Visitors Center is located at 905 Washington Street West and the phone number is 304-645-1000.
You may also catch a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they stroll through town or take a horse drawn carriage ride.
For more information, phone 888-702-1076, find us on FaceBook at Lewisburg Holiday Festival or visit www.visitlewisburgwv.com.
