The annual Great White Way Christmas Celebration begins on Friday, December 4th in Williamson. Traditionally, this Christmas event is hosted by Action In Mingo (A.I.M.) but this year they have collaborated with a few other groups to host the celebration. The Mingo County Family Resource Network, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, Williamson Forward, and Williamson Parks and Recreation are all playing a role in the Christmas fun this year.
With COVID-19 continuing to change how events and gatherings can occur, the plans for the Great White Way Celebration have changed from week to week during planning. However, the groups involved decided to modify the events to keep the Christmas cheer going, while observing safety guidelines.
Friday, December 4th
On Friday, December 4th a free hot chocolate drive thru sponsored by the Mingo County Family Resource Network, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Williamson Forward will happen at the Williamson Farmers Market Lot on 3rd Avenue in Williamson. Stop by from 5:00pm-6:30pm (or while supplies last) to get your yummy hot chocolate! The Williamson Farmers Market will also be selling fresh Pizzelles during the evening. The Italian wafer cookie will be sold in bundles of 5 for $10.00. The A.I.M. group will also be offering free hayrides around town from 5:00p.m.-6:00pm. Each hayride will be limited to members of the same household to ensure safety guidelines are observed.
The Festival of Trees has also been modified this year to be a walk by showcase of decorated trees. The Mountaineer Hotel provided their corner space on 2nd Avenue for the trees to be displayed. Different groups in the area decorated the Christmas trees and those are on display now for visitors to view through the windows.
As a reminder, we told you earlier in the week about activities being hosted by the Tug Valley Area CVB and City of Williamson on Friday, December 4th. You can read that article again here or find their event info on their Facebook event page.
Saturday, December 5th
On Saturday, December 5th activities begin at 8:00am! The United Methodist Men’s Pancake Breakfast starts the day. The breakfast will run till noon.
At 11:00a.m. the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce Outdoor Christmas Market opens. Fifteen vendors offering handcrafted products, boutique clothing, home décor, locally sourced foods and honey, paintings, direct sales items, and more will be set up on the Williamson Health and Wellness Center lot located on 2nd Avenue. The market is open till 4pm. Come to the market and find all those unique gifts for someone special, or yourself!
Local author Katherine P. Manley will be at the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, aka The Coal House, to discuss her book, “Don't Tell'em You're Cold.” This has been the best-selling book in the Coal House this year. The author will be discussing her book from 12:00p.m.-12:30p.m. and available for meet and greet and book signing till 2:30 p.m.
The Great White Way Christmas Parade organized by the A.I.M group will begin at 5p.m. For businesses and organizations interested in signing up, you still have time! Contact A.I.M President, Jada Hunter at 304-235-0909. As the parade ends, Santa Clause will arrive in Williamson to greet everyone! After the parade, the GFWC-WV Williamson Woman’s Club will be offering free hot chocolate outside near the Cinderella Theater.
To see a full schedule of activities, look at the flyers below! Here’s a couple more links where you can find additional details:
Great White Way Schedule:https://www.facebook.com/Great-White-Way-124569491554829/
Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce Outdoors Christmas Market details and vendors: https://www.facebook.com/events/323601525576585/permalink/394200145183389/
Book Signing Event with author Katherine P. Manley: https://www.facebook.com/events/402905297501034/
Comments