More holiday cheer to be celebrated this week
Holiday events this weekend include two of the area’s most-popular ones:
• The Museum of Appalachia’s Candlelight Christmas on Friday and Saturday, and Norris Dam State Park’s Christmas in the Park on Sunday.
• Also on tap from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday is a free community Christmas party for kids through age 11 in Oliver Springs, hosted by American Legion Post 112. It will be held at the post, 1123 Lookout Ave.
Children get to visit with Santa and have a free hot dog lunch at the Oliver Springs party.
• The annual Museum of Appalachia Candlelight Christmas will be presented Friday, Dec. 15, from 4-9 p.m., and again on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 4-9 p.m. at the museum, on Andersonville Highway in Norris.
“Experience the serenity of an Appalachian Christmas at the Museum of Appalachia,” the museum’s website says about this weekend’s event.
“The centerpiece of this holiday event is an evening tour of the Museum’s pioneer village,” it says. “The cabins will be adorned with old-fashioned Christmas decorations and festively lit for the occasion.”
Among activities will be live music, storytelling, interactive activities for kids, and demonstrations of blacksmithing, sorghum making, apple butter churning, and more.
Tickets are $20 for those age 13 and up, or $10 for children 6-12. A family pass is available for $45 for two adults and their dependent children. Purchase tickets at the museum or online at museumofappalachia.org.
As for the state park event, it is free and will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Lenoir Museum, Rice Grist Mill and Crosby Threshing Barn.
arking will be at the Lenoir Museum, 2121 Norris Freeway, with handicap accessible parking at the Rice Gristmill.
The park’s website says:
“Come to Norris Dam for a vintage evening celebrating the Christmas season! This event will feature warm drinks, live folk music, family-friendly crafts, silent auctions, [and] a bonfire, and Santa is planning on making a visit.”
Although there is no admission charge, the park does suggest making a donation to help with park expenses.
Also, the park “will be collecting non-perishable food donations for local Norris food banks. Please consider bringing a canned food item to support your local community,” the website says.
A silent pie auction will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the Crosby Threshing Barn. Winners do not have to be present to win; winners will be announced or called at 7 p.m.
Children can meet at the bonfire pit in front of the Threshing Barn at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. to hear a park ranger read aloud a Christmas story.
The Threshing Barn will also house “make your own ornament” stations.
Live music from the Clinch River Ramblers will be in the Lenoir Museum, along with historic crafts.
Anyone with questions may contact the park office at 865-425-4500.
All of your donations stay in Norris Dam State Park to help with interpretive programs and events, park resource management, and other projects.
