BY MILES LAYTON
Saturday night in Edenton was a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit … carols, tree lighting and a lighted flotilla … lots of folks there and Santa paid a visit too.
White Oak and DF Walker schools’ choirs sang to set the mood for Saturday’s celebration near the end of South Broad Street between the Council Chambers and Confederate Memorial statue that may have a new address in 2025.
When Mayor Hackney High counted down from five to initiate the lighting of the tree, it did not light up the first go-round because there was not enough Christmas spirit in the air. Second go-round, that changed when folks dialed their cheers up to an “11” as if channeling Buddy the Elf’s Christmas spirit.
Speaking of Buddy the Elf, a quote from the movie comes to mind when he saw Santa.
“SANTA! I know him!”
When Santa rode into downtown on an Edenton Fire Truck, he was greeted with warm applause. He listened to children’s wish requests, poised for photos and created memories for everyone. One little boy, who sat on Santa’s lap a few short years ago when he was at WOW (White Oak and DF Walker), has grown up to be a teenager who at six feet tall is taller than Santa – he too posed for a photo with Santa.
This editor also remembers interviewing Santa from back in the day. Santa is a good guy, a familiar face to many. He has participated in Christmas in July at Steamers’ baseball games and talked to kids near and far across the region. This Santa takes his job very seriously, very seriously.
Back when the local newspaper still published letters to Santa, that jolly old soul answered each letter by hand – hundreds of letters.
Trust us – this guy is the real deal. Thank you Santa.
The flotilla passing through Edenton Bay was exceptional.
Local law enforcement chili cook-off was very good – free samples – folks voted for what they thought was the best. Since it is Sunday, more on that when we get the results.
In related Christmas news, Grand Illumination in Hertford held Friday was a smashing success as was the parade. Perquimans County is a warm and welcoming place – lot of good things happening there.
Columbia’s River Town Christmas festivities such as the Christmas Tree lighting and parade were excellent. Grinch was so happy with Columbia that his heart grew three sizes that day as he waved to folks in town.
Reminder, the 43rd annual Christmas Candlelight Tour will be between Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Edenton.
Tickets sold out in October, but … the Christmas Candlelight Tour is a self-guided evening walking tour that visits decorated private homes and public sites in historic Edenton.
The theme of Saturday (Dec. 14) Christmas parade in Edenton is Tinsel & Teapots. Line-up begins at the Edenton Village Shopping Center (North Broad Street) at 9 a.m. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. and goes down Broad Street to the waterfront.