ICYMI: Have a holly jolly good time in Kinston

Submitted photos.

Gather around and have a cup of cheer. The time is almost near to say hello to friends you know at the Holly Jolly Holiday Show.

This beloved community tradition rings in the start of the holiday season. A partnership between the Kinston Community Center and the Community Council for the Arts, the Holly Jolly Holiday Show returns to residents and visitors for its seventh season. 

“Our primary goal has always been to impact our community and raise funds for children’s programming,” said Kelly Cannon, facility director of the Kinston Community Center.

The event is Friday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Kinston Community Center, 2602 W. Vernon Avenue in Kinston. Admission is $5.00 per adult per day. Admission is free for children under 10 years of age if accompanied by an adult.

Thanks to generous sponsorship and community support, all proceeds from the two-day event support the Kinston Community Center Scholarship Fun and the Children’s Educational Programs of the Kinston Community Council for the Arts.

There will be plenty of locally-made, handcrafted goodness for everyone. Stop by the booths to make new friends or see old ones, and purchase gifts from an array of selections that include: soaps, jewelry, cosmetics, wood and metal designs, bunk beds, Disney vacations and travel packages, pottery, wreaths, antiques, pet tags, photography sessions, clothing, hemp extract, kitchen products, nesting dolls, ornaments, and a variety of food items. With a variety of vendors this unique, there is something for everyone.

“With over 70 vendors, this is our largest show ever,” said Cannon. “This is a fun event that will help you get into the holiday spirit.”

“These vendors are excited to be a part of the community and to give-back,” added Events Coordinator Mike Baker. “This is a place for people to come shop and purchase everything from fudge to trailer tags. With a wide variety like this, you can really get a jump start on your holiday shopping.”

Chick-fil-A will be onsite to help hungry shoppers fuel up. Chick-fil-A is donating the food out of the concession stands so proceeds will support the mission of the event. Visitors can expect to find everything from sandwiches and nuggets to fruit, chips and cookies.

And, as an added bonus this year, Food Farm Home of the Original Piggly Wiggly is giving away $50.00 cash on the hour, every hour throughout the event.

The event wouldn’t be possible without the generous sponsorship from The Original Piggly Wiggly, WRNS 95.1, Magic Mile Media, Visit Kinston and BOB 93.3.

The Holly Jolly Holiday Show draws an average of 3,000 people during the weekend.

“When people visit during the weekend, they aren’t just coming to the show, they are coming to spend time in our town visiting restaurants, shops, and historic or cultural sites,” said Cannon. “The event supports our community in a lot of ways.”

Proceeds of the Holly Jolly Holiday Show support specialty events including the Kinston Community Center’s Elf Shop and Santa Visit, scheduled for Dec. 17-18, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. This free event allows children in the community to shop and purchase gifts to give parents, teachers, friends and family.

“All of these events are ones the community can be proud of and know they are helping make a positive impact on the holiday season in town,” said Cannon.

Follow along with the Holly Jolly Holiday Show through social media or by visiting the website: www.hollyjollykinston.com.