Alderson celebrating the holiday season -- beginning with a parade

The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.
·3 min read

Dec. 1—Alderson Main Street and the Town of Alderson, with help from other organizations, churches and groups, kicked off an active schedule of activities for the holiday season with Alderson's annual Christmas parade, featuring Greenbrier East High School and Eastern Greenbrier Middle School bands and Santa Claus, himself, on Friday.

To get ready for the celebration, the Town of Alderson staff put up the arches, greenery and bulbs on the Alderson Memorial Bridge, a tradition that goes back at least 50 years and was originally conceived by Gretis Roles McVey.

Almost all the lamp posts in Alderson have been adopted by a business, person, or group and will be decorated in a holiday theme.

The Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church will add to the festivities with their annual bazaar and soup and sandwich meals, which are available for $8 on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, from noon to 3 p.m.

The model trains are set for show in the Historic 1896 C&O Train Depot on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit is coordinated by Lee Skaggs. Photos with Santa by Sheena Pendley will be available there from 2 to 4 p.m. for a donation to Alderson Main Street.

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, the Old Greenbrier Baptist Church will host a live nativity at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. and again at 3 p.m., one of the most cherished traditions in Alderson will occur at the Old Victorian Inn — the Annual Christmas Tea. Once again, musicians Leah and Roger Trent will offer seasonal music as guests sip hot tea and enjoy scones, sandwiches and sweets. Tickets are only available at the Alderson Artisan's Gallery on Railroad Avenue.

Alderson Main Street is once again sponsoring a holiday home and business decorating contest. Homes and businesses within the town limits will be observed on Monday, Dec. 11, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The judges will select home decoration winners in a variety of categories such as Gem of the Hills; Spirit of Christmas; Best Nativity; Children's Fantasy; and Old Fashioned Christmas. Winning businesses will be selected in two categories: large and small. No registration is required for the contest. The judges will visit every street inside the town limits.

Winners will receive a temporary yard sign and certificate declaring them a contest winner and will be announced on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Alderson-Main-Street-594432723925664/ by Wednesday, Dec. 13. Signs will be collected after Christmas.

Another tradition is the Community Christmas Cantata at the Old Greenbrier Baptist Church on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. followed by a social time in the Fellowship Hall. Direction is provided by Dell Wood with Nancy Wood accompanying.

Finally, on New Year's Eve, sponsored by Alderson Main Street, the Alderson Volunteer Fire Department, and the James F. B. Peyton Foundation, a fireworks display will begin at 7:30 p.m., which can be best seen from the Alderson Memorial Bridge. Hot dogs, hot drinks, and more will be available from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Morgan Meadows Farm Store in the Renaissance Building at the Greenbrier end of the bridge.

AMS President Don Sutherland said in a press release, "We are excited to offer all these wonderful opportunities to celebrate the season. Thanks to all those whose sponsorships and hard work made these events possible."