ALDERSON W.Va. (WVDN) – The Town of Alderson and Alderson Main Street announce a holiday season’s worth of fun for the whole family. Long known for its family-friendly activities such as festivals and the July 4th Celebration, Alderson could not let the season pass without something for everyone.
Of course, the town has to get ready. So, from 10-12 on Saturday, Nov. 23, everyone is invited to help decorate Alumni Park and the Gazebo on the Monroe County side of Alderson. The theme this year is “Candy Cane Lane.” What a great way to start working up an appetite for Thanksgiving Dinner.
On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30, visit local stores on Small Business Saturday. Shop local and find one-of-a-kind gifts at the Alderson Artisans Gallery and Alderson’s Store. The Artisans Gallery will be holding an open house with refreshments for their customers from 11-5. Finding lunch or a delicious specialty coffee drink will be easy at the Fruits of Labor Café and additional food options are available at Jessie’s Market or the Big Wheel.
The people in town will be busy decorating their homes and judging, to see who has done the best in several categories, which will happen on Dec. 3-4. No need to sign up; the judges will visit every street inside the city limits.
The Alderson Ministerial Association sponsors a wonderful opportunity for folks to fellowship and share the reason for the season at a series of Advent services and lunches at noon on Dec. 4 at River of Life; Dec. 11 at Johnson Memorial United Methodist (JMUMC); and Dec. 18 at Old Greenbrier Baptist.
The first Friday in December is the traditional day for the annual Christmas Parade. Lineup starts at 5 p.m. on Virginia Street and the parade steps off at 6 p.m. to march to the Alderson Volunteer Fire Department where the younger folk will have an opportunity to meet with Santa and the Alderson Women’s Club will provide a treat.
The parade route will be different this year, going from Virginia Street to Riverview Avenue and following it to cross the new bridge and then down the hill to the AVFD. A recent partial inspection of the Alderson Memorial Bridge revealed some concerns, so, out of an abundance of caution, the parade route has been changed.
If you are not sure you can fit dinner for your family in with the parade, JMUMC has the answer. From 4-7, they are providing a soup, sandwich, drink and dessert meal for $10 for adults and $7 for those 12 and under. Warm up, have some great homemade food, and shop their annual bazaar before the parade starts.
The Queen of Lights will turn on the lights over the Alderson Memorial Bridge as she makes her way along the parade route. There is nothing prettier during the holidays than those lights reflected in the water of the Greenbrier River.
JMUMC will continue their soup, sandwich, drink and dessert meal and bazaar from 9-3 on Saturday, Dec. 7 and from 12-3 on Sunday, Dec. 8 and the shops of Alderson will welcome you on both days.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, an event, which is a highlight for many in the area, will be held in a new location. Alderson Main Street’s Christmas Tea will be at 1659 Riverview Avenue, east at the beautifully restored Victorian home of Sue Grizzard. Roger and Leah Trent will add their lovely music to the delightful afternoon tea as generations take a few quiet moments to just enjoy. There will be a special treat from Riverview Café this year. On the same day, the Historic 1896 C&O Train Depot will host a model train show and display from 10-4 and photos with Santa by professional photographer Sheena Pendley can be taken there from 2-4 for a donation.
On Sunday, Dec. 22 at 3 pm, Old Greenbrier Baptist Church will host a Community Cantata. Voices from throughout the town will join in praise and light refreshments will be served after the performance.
Christmas Eve services will be held at 7 p.m. at Old Greenbrier Baptist and at 8 p.m. at JMUMC.
The final event of the “Gem of the Hills” holiday season will be the family-friendly fireworks display at 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, put on by the Alderson Volunteer Fire Department and funded by a grant to Alderson Main Street. Kids of all ages will enjoy about 20 minutes of an amazing light show best seen from the Alderson Memorial Bridge.
Alderson Main Street President Don Sutherland said, “We have a great line-up of activities and hope everyone will come support them and our local businesses and enjoy! Happy New Year!”
Please consult the calendar on the Town of Alderson website at aldersonwv.org for any changes to the schedule.
