Tag Archive for: #granvillecountytourism

Oxford Tree Lighting

Town Talk 11/12/20: Granville Tourism Announces Holiday Events

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Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m. Allen discussed upcoming holiday events in Granville County.

“In the midst of this challenging year of 2020, we still want to be able to open it up where people can have their holiday traditions,” said Allen. “We know that the holidays are a time for family and friends. Here in Granville County, we want to make sure that we are maintaining the well-being and the health of those around us, but we still celebrate the holiday season.”

Zoom Call With Santa ~ November 21

Join Santa on a special Zoom call Saturday, November 21 at 3 p.m. live from the North Pole. All participants will take part in Santa’s Elf Academy and receive a digital Elf-In-Training completion certificate.

Complete this google form (click here), and a link for the call will be sent to you on the day of the event.

Turkey Trot ~ November 26

This year’s 2.4 mile Turkey Trot has been modified but NOT canceled. Plan your trot, walk or run with neighbors, friends or family at your favorite location and please tag ACIM on Facebook @AreaCongreationsInMinistry.

A food donation box will be set up at Main Street Fitness, 110 Main Street, Oxford on Thanksgiving Day from 9 -10:30 a.m. to collect food or monetary donations.

Oxford Virtual Tree Lighting ~ December 3

Oxford’s Virtual Tree Lighting will be held on December 3. Details will be provided closer to the date. Please check https://www.facebook.com/VisitOxfordNC/ for updates.

Oxford’s “Reverse” Drive-Thru Christmas Parade ~ December 4

In this “reverse” parade to be held December 4 in downtown Oxford, floats, dancers and cars are stationary and spaced apart. Those wishing to soak up the seasonal merriment can simply drive-through and enjoy from the safety of their vehicles.

This year’s theme is “Oxford’s Whoville Holiday.” Churches, businesses and non-profits wishing to participate are asked to decorate accordingly. Spaces will be measured at 60 – 80 feet apart, allowing for social distancing. Candy will not be distributed.

The parade line up will start at 5 p.m. with the parade beginning at 6 p.m.

Butner Christmas in the Park Drive-Thru ~ December 4

Load up the kiddies with their letters to Santa and participate in a guided drive-thru at Butner’s Gazebo Park for a celebration of Christmas music and lights. Visit Santa safely from your car, and drop off the kids’ letters.

The event, sponsored by the Butner Community Association, will be held from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on December 4.

Please note that the annual Butner Christmas Parade is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carlee Farm Marketplace ~ December 5

Come out and show your support for 20 different local vendors selling unique items just in time for the holidays. Stem Fire & EMS will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers.

A holiday setup for family pictures you can take yourself will be available. Social distancing and masks will be required.

Granville Little Theatre Presents “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” ~ December 6-15

Granville Little Theatre’s Dinner and a Show series presents “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play December 6-15.

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.

Please visit the Granville Little Theatre’s website www.granvillelittletheatre.net for additional information.

The Barn at Vino ~ December 6

Each child will get to decorate Christmas cookies, make an ornament, enjoy hot cocoa and write a letter to Santa.

K.G. Photography will be there to capture pictures of your family with Santa & Mrs. Claus. (Digital images included in the price of admission).

COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing will be followed. Each family will have their own table. Masks are required when social distancing is unavailable.

Contactless ticket purchases are available online through Eventbrite (click here). Tickets will also be sold at the door, but purchasing tickets online gives you priority time slots.

“Back to Bethlehem” Drive-Thru Nativity ~ December 12-14

The Delrayno Baptist Church in Oxford will relive the miraculous events that proclaim the birth of Jesus Christ with a drive-thru, detailed recreation of the little town of Bethlehem. The drive-thru nativity will be open December 12, 13 and 14 from 6 until 8:30 p.m.

As you drive through, you will see the marketplace, various shops, people hustling about, the Inn that was full and angels announcing the birth of Jesus.

Contact Pastor Joe Don Cooper at (919) 691-9355 for more information.

For more information on upcoming events, please visit Granville County Tourism’s website at www.visitgranvillenc.com.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Granville County Tourism

Town Talk 09/24/20: Location, Array of Activities Credited for Granville’s Increased Tourism Dollars

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Allen discussed the recent announcement that visitor spending in Granville County for 2019 represented an increase of 4.5 percent over the previous year.

According to the annual study by Visit North Carolina, a part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, visitor spending in Granville totaled $54.79 million last year, compared to the $52.44 million reported in 2018.

“I’m very pleased about last year and the things we were able to do to bring in visitors,” said Allen. “I go back to the same basic things that attract people to our area, including our proximity to the Triangle and our laid-back, family atmosphere.”

According to a recent press release, visitor spending in Granville County has seen a steady increase over the past decade – from $37 million reported in 2010 to approximately $55 million in 2019.

Allen attributes the increase in visitor spending to the local economic growth seen in the opening of new restaurants and retail establishments, the expansion of outdoor trail and park opportunities and the County’s new ‘Uniquely Carolina’ marketing campaign.

Acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting restrictions will affect tourism spending for the foreseeable future, Allen said recent reports of increased visitors at the NC coast and mountains left her feeling hopeful about what she called the “filtering” of tourism dollars.

“The beaches and the mountains are our guinea pigs at this point,” Allen explained. “If people feel safe enough to go to those types of areas, then I think it will trickle down to people being more apt to go back to their rural areas and even some urban areas. I’m looking at it as a positive thing because at least people are getting out.”

To learn more, visit www.visitgranvillenc.com or contact Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Granville County Tourism

Granville Visitors Spend More Than $54 Million in 2019

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

In data shared from a recent statewide study, the economic impact of visitor spending in 2019 has been reported, with Granville County expenditures showing an increase of 4.5 percent over the previous year. According to the annual study by Visit North Carolina, a part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, visitor spending in Granville during 2019 totaled $54.79 million, compared with $52.44 million reported in 2018.

Granville County Tourism Development Director Angela Allen attributes the county-wide growth in tourism and visitor spending to a growing local economy – such as the opening of new restaurants and gathering places – as well as the wide variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation.

“As more and more people are discovering our welcoming atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle, we are quickly becoming a choice destination,” Allen remarked. “Our new marketing campaign bears this out. We are ‘Uniquely Carolina.’”

North Carolina currently ranks number 6 in the country for overnight visitation. Will Tuttell, director of Visit North Carolina, credits the state’s natural beauty and authenticity for this ranking. The 2019 study indicates that visitors spent more than $73 million per day across the state in 2019, setting a new record as more than $26.7 billion in expenditures was reported. This total represents an increase of 5.6 percent from 2018.

“The numbers confirm the strength of North Carolina’s tourism industry as an anchor for economic development,” Tuttell remarked. “The money that is spent here by our visitors benefits everyone by sustaining jobs and reducing our residents’ tax burden.”

Visitor spending in Granville County has seen a steady increase over the past decade. Approximately $37 million reported in 2010, with $40.89 million in 2011, $42.97 million in 2012, $44.43 million in 2013, $44.26 million in 2014, $45.69 million in 2015, $47.11 in 2016 and $49.51 in 2017.

The COVID-19 pandemic and an emphasis on “staying home” during 2020 have presented its own set of challenges for tourism in the coming year. Allen offers a reminder that Granville County continues to offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities, as well as locally-owned shopping and dining experiences, that keep our area in the forefront.

“Granville County already features many of the outdoor activities and natural surroundings visitors are looking for,” she reminds. “There are five lakes to choose from for fishing, kayaking and outdoor fun, as well as hiking and biking trails, open areas, play spaces and so much more. And there are ample opportunities for shopping, dining and supporting our local businesses. We’re working hard to spread the word that Granville continues to be a ‘unique,’ choice destination for visitors.”

To learn more about tourism in Granville County, log onto www.visitgranvillenc.com, or contact Tourism Director Angela Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Statewide county statistics from the  Visit North Carolina study are available through their website at https://partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies.

Granville County Tourism

Town Talk 09/03/20: Granville Tourism Announces Labor Day Weekend Activities

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

Allen encouraged residents to go outside and enjoy the end-of-summer weather. “I would definitely advise people to get outside this weekend. It’s going to be a beautiful Labor Day weekend in Granville County.”

Outdoor Activities:

Granville Athletic Park (GAP) – open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, the GAP features over three miles of walking trails, baseball and softball fields, regulation soccer fields, a splash park and playgrounds. The GAP is located at 4615 Belltown Road, just off I-85 in Oxford.

The park was recently added to the list of destinations on the Quilt Trails of the Tar and Roanoke Rivers with the installation of a quilt block on its historic tobacco barn.

The block was installed by the Franklin County Arts Council, connecting the GAP and Granville County to a heritage trail that meanders through eastern North Carolina. Easily visible from the main parking lot and walking trail, the block’s design reflects the community’s efforts to preserve the GAP property (click here for the history of the GAP).

Lake Devin – open to the public year-round, Lake Devin in Oxford offers fishing, 2.5 miles of walking trails, kayaking, dock and boat ramp.

Lake Rogers – covering over 175 acres just northwest of downtown Creedmoor, Lake Rogers offers several picnic shelters, boat rentals and light concessions.

Lake Holt – offers fishing opportunities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating in Butner.

Hix Dog Park – the first dog park in Granville County, Hix allows dogs to run and play inside a fenced-in area. Shady spots and benches located inside the park provide pet owners comfort while they watch the dogs socialize and exercise. Located at 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.

Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – features five miles of hiking and walking trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Hikers will enjoy seeing fields being restored to forest, wildflower meadows and wildlife sightings as they traverse the trails. Located at 3189 Brogden Road in Stem.

Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail – the 1.1-mile trail is outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The Gauntlet is the work of Jonathan Gaudette, who worked on the project in pursuit of his Eagle Scout badge. Located at 2186 Brassfield Road in Creedmoor.

Allen announced there will also be a great indoor event this weekend at the Cedar Creek Gallery in Creedmoor – the National Teapot Show XI. The show features over 200 teapots by more than 150 artisans. Styles include traditional, contemporary, functional, conceptual and whimsical teapots created with a variety of materials.

Cedar Creek Gallery has hosted this show every three years for the past thirty years. The show continues through Monday, September 7, 2020. The gallery is located at 1150 Fleming Road in Creedmoor. Please visit Cedar Creek’s website for additional information (click here).

Looking ahead to the fall and holiday season, Allen said upcoming event details will be finalized and announced soon. With the recent announcement that the City of Oxford has canceled the annual downtown trick-or-treat event and recommends no city-wide or neighborhood candy collections this year due to COVID, Allen said there are still Halloween attractions to keep people entertained.

“I’m happy to announce the Granville Haunt Farm will be open in October, though it will look a little different this year,” said Allen. “They will be the first NC drive-thru haunted attraction.”

Beginning the season October 9, the farm will be open every Friday and Saturday for the remainder of October. Visitors will be able to enjoy a contact-free haunt experience from the safety of their own vehicles, Allen explained. Granville Haunt Farm is located at 4534 US Hwy 15 in Oxford.

“Even during the pandemic, people want to get out,” said Allen. “They may not travel as far as they use to travel, but we are just 30-45 minutes down the road from Raleigh and Durham, and offer plenty to do.”

For more information, including additional events and attractions, please visit Granville Tourism online at www.visitgranvillenc.com or via Facebook at Visit Granville County, NC.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

Granville County Tourism

Town Talk 07/09/20: Parks/Trails Open in Granville Co.; Upcoming Brides on Wheels Tour

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Thursday at 11 a.m.

While COVID-19 restrictions have forced the cancellation of popular Granville County events such as the Lake Holt Fourth of July fireworks show, the Hot Sauce Contest & Festival in downtown Oxford and the Creedmoor Music Festival, Allen said there are still plenty of outdoor activities available this summer.

Outdoor Activities:

  • Hix Dog Park – the first dog park in Granville County, Hix allows dogs to run and play inside a fenced-in area. Shady spots and benches located inside the park provide pet owners comfort while they watch the dogs socialize and exercise. Located at 300 Williamsboro Street in Oxford.
  • Ledge Creek Forest Conservation Area – features five miles of hiking and walking trails. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. Hikers will enjoy seeing fields being restored to forest, wildflower meadows and wildlife sightings as they traverse the trails. Located at 3189 Brogden Road in Stem.
  • Gauntlet Fitness & Walking Trail – opened in the spring of 2016, the 1.1-mile trail is outfitted with a variety of fitness stations designed to challenge hikers. The Gauntlet is the work of Jonathan Gaudette, who worked on the project in pursuit of his Eagle Scout badge. Located at 2186 Brassfield Road in Creedmoor.
  • Lake Devin – open to the public year-round, Lake Devin in Oxford offers fishing, 2.5 miles of walking trails, kayaking, dock and boat ramp.
  • Lake Rogers Park – covering over 175 acres just northwest of downtown Creedmoor, Lake Rogers offers several picnic shelters, boat rentals and light concessions.
  • Lake Holt – offers fishing opportunities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating in Butner.

The Granville Athletic Park, Grassy Creek Recreation Area, Central Avenue Gazebo Park and Wilton Slopes on the Tar River Paddle Trail also offer a wide variety of outdoor, and in many instances free, activities. Allen reminded listeners that usage of some outdoor equipment, such as children’s playgrounds, may be temporarily restricted due to State mandate.

For more information on events and activities in Granville County, please visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Switching gears to discuss an upcoming big event for Granville County Tourism, Allen announced the annual Brides on Wheels Tour that was postponed from its original date in April is set to move forward with social distancing guidelines in place on July 26, 2020.

Brides on Wheels Tour:

Brides planning a 2020-2021 wedding are invited to take a scenic caravan tour of Granville County to learn more about wedding locations and resources available to help plan their special day.

The 2020 Brides on Wheels Tour includes a stop at three wedding/reception venues: The Oaks at Oxford, Carlee Farm and Shadowing Oaks. Participants will also have early access to the newly renovated The Orpheum at Oxford. Florists, photographers, caterers, disc jockeys, rental companies and more will welcome brides and their guests throughout the tour.

Registered participants will receive the tour schedule prior to the day of the event so that they can travel to each venue in their personal vehicles. “We really wanted to revamp and revise the tour in a way where people felt safe and secure about coming this year,” Allen said.

Interested brides may register online at https://granvillebows2020.eventbrite.com.

For more information about the Brides on Wheels Tour, please visit www.brides-on-wheels.com or contact Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

To hear the interview with Allen in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Brides on Wheels

Granville’s ‘Brides on Wheels’ Wedding Tour Rescheduled 

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-Press Release and photos, Granville County Government

Brides planning a 2020-2021 wedding are invited to take a scenic caravan tour of Granville County to learn more about wedding locations and resources available to help plan their special day. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponed from its original date in April and is now scheduled for July 26, 2020.

The day includes a stop at three wedding/reception venues (The Oaks at Oxford, Carlee Farm and Shadowing Oaks), as well as early access to a brand new venue, The Orpheum at Oxford, located in downtown Oxford. Florists, photographers, caterers, disc jockeys, rental companies, etc. will welcome brides and their guests throughout the tour as a variety of wedding service options are displayed. 

Prior to the tour, registered participants will receive the tour schedule by email/text so that they can travel to each venue in the comfort of their own vehicles. The schedule is tentative and subject to change based on statewide restrictions and guidelines for events and social gatherings. 

A number of venues have indoor and outdoor accommodations that will allow tour participants to move around freely. To ensure safety, each venue guide and vendor will wear face coverings and will practice social distancing. Each bride and guest should also wear a cloth face mask during the tour. It is also suggested that participants bring along hand sanitizer/disinfectant wipes for vehicle use. Sanitized restrooms will be available at each stop, and hand sanitizer will be provided upon entry and departure at each venue. 

This annual event is presented by the Granville Tourism Development Authority (TDA). Interested brides should register online at https://granvillebows2020.eventbrite.com.

For more information about the Brides on Wheels Tour, please visit www.brides-on-wheels.com or contact TDA Director Angela Allen by phone at (919) 693-6125 or by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

Granville County Welcomes Brides On Wheels (BOWs) Bridal Tour

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-Information courtesy Granville County Tourism Development Authority

Are you planning a 2020- 2021 wedding? If you are (or hope to be), you are invited to be a part of the Granville County Brides on Wheels (BOWs) Bridal Tour to see what this community just outside of the Triangle has to offer. From rustic to elegant, outdoor to indoor, you will find something that will help make your wedding day perfect.

Reserve your spot now for this year’s tour scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2020.

The Granville County BOWs Bridal Tour day includes five or more venues, meet & greets with local vendors, and a goodie bag for VIP registrants. All you have to do to become a VIP Bride is register yourself and one guest, sit back, relax and take a scenic trip of Granville. The schedule is tentative, so check back often for additions and changes.

Please note that tour seating is limited, so pre-register to assure your spot. For more information, visit the tour’s website at www.brides-on-wheels.com or call (919) 693-6125.

*RAIN DATE FOR BUS TOUR IS SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2019. You will be notified if postponed.

Follow this Event on Facebook for updates and more: https://www.facebook.com/granvillebridaltour/ 

Purchase tickets at https://granvillebows2020.eventbrite.com

Granville Tourism Development Authority Wins Regional Award

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

At their annual Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Connections Conference held in Little Rock, Arkansas, Granville County’s Tourism Director Angela Allen and the Granville County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was recognized with the Best Marketing Shining Example Award for its “Uniquely Carolina” campaign.

Granville County Tourism Director Angela Allen was recently recognized with the “Shining Example” award by the Southeast Tourism Society. (Photo courtesy Granville Co. Govt.)

The “Uniquely Carolina” brand was unveiled at the 2019 Hot Sauce Festival this past September and has already received top honors by the North Carolina Travel Association. According to Allen, the need to refresh the brand was long overdue, as there was no consistent or unique brand message to deliver a compelling reason to visit Granville County.

As part of the re-branding process, Allen and the TDA Board of Directors interviewed over 100 county stakeholders, including industry partners, government officials, community leaders and local volunteers. They also conducted focus groups, with community outreach including the completion of surveys to residents, community leaders and teachers.

“We developed our brand with input from those in the community,” Allen explains. “Granville County offers outdoor spaces where visitors can come and relax, festivals and venues where they can gather with friends, and shops, restaurants, farms and markets where they can step away and discover Granville County. We really feel the new brand and identity captures our county and the tourism community.”

The Southeast Tourism Society is comprised of all states in the southeast, stretching beyond the Mississippi River to include Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. STS brings together tourism professionals from the state and local levels who share the mutual belief that regional promotion of tourism creates a powerful marketing alliance.

As part of this partnership, STS evaluates marketing programs of the 13 states in the southeast region, selecting three as the “best of the best.” The three winners are identified by size: smaller community, mid-size, and large city/state levels.

“We are thrilled to see Angela Allen win a Shining Example award for such a great campaign,” said Wit Tuttell, Vice-President of Tourism and Marketing for North Carolina. “This campaign does an excellent job focusing on the authentic experiences in Granville. That’s exactly what visitors want to know, and it fits perfectly with our efforts to promote ‘Firsts That Last’ for people who visit North Carolina.”

Additionally, the state of North Carolina was recognized with the marketing award on the state level.

“We are part of the Carolinas,” Angela further explains. “North Carolina has an incredibly positive image with residents and travelers. We want to continue to capture and reflect the attraction of being in North Carolina, so for the professionals across STS to recognize the work in Granville as the best across all 13 states in the region is actually a tribute to the whole community.”

For more information about Granville County’s “Uniquely Carolina” campaign, or to find out more about the local tourism industry, contact Allen at 919-693-6125 or at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org. Those interested in the local events and attractions that bring visitors to our area can also visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.

Granville County Tourism

Granville Tourism Development Authority Offers Grant Opportunities

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

The Granville Tourism Development Authority (GTDA) is now accepting grant applications for the upcoming fiscal year.

The primary purpose of the GTDA’s mini-grant program is to assist Granville County organizations and agencies in the promotion and marketing of events and activities that encourage tourism and create an economic impact from visitor spending. The goal is to help stimulate events/activities that can grow and eventually thrive on their own merit, without direct funding. Any approved funding should be considered as a supplemental resource only.

Applicants eligible for grant funding must be a Granville County-based community group, nonprofit organization, county municipality or recognized community within the county lines. For-profit groups cannot apply for grant funding unless the event’s proceeds will go to a community-supported event.

Projects to be considered should encourage out-of-county visitors, with primary consideration given to those that promote the GTDA’s mission of marketing the area as a travel destination. (The tourism industry’s definition of a “visitor” is an individual trekking outside of 50 miles to attend an event or activity.) Events planned for off-peak times may receive higher priority.

Total funding of any event, project or program will not be greater than 25 percent of the total project budget and will not exceed $5,000. Included with the request can be a one-time artist/entertainment allowance of up to $1,000.

Grants applications will be accepted until April 3, 2020, for inclusion in the upcoming fiscal year (July 2020 through June 2021). The GTDA Board will review applications and will be prepared to make recommendations for approval during their May board meeting. Award recipients will be notified after July 1, 2020, when the new fiscal year begins.

Applications are available online or through the Granville County Tourism Development Office, 124 Hillsboro Street in Oxford. Visit www.granvillecounty.org/visitors/ to access the application or to learn more about grant requirements and/or the review process. Those interested may also contact Angela Allen, Tourism Director, at 919-693-6125 or angela.allen@granvillecounty.org.

Oxford Christmas Parade

Town Talk 12/04/19: Granville Plans Busy Weekend With Parades, Shows & More

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Angela Allen, director of the Granville County Tourism Development Authority, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. to discuss a few of the many weekend holiday events happening in Granville County.

Granville Little Theatre’s FrUiTCaKes

The Granville Little Theatre will present FrUiTCaKes, a Christmas production, at the Oxford City Hall Auditorium on December 7 & 8, 13-15, 2019.

Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chickenpox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti and a Christmas hog named Buster, and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of holiday cheer.

A moving story of alienation, understanding and reconciliation, FrUiTCaKes provides audiences with a heaping helping of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer.

Oxford Christmas Parade and Lighting of the Greens

A magical night is planned this Friday, December 6, 2019, for the 14th Annual Lighting of the Greens and Christmas Parade sponsored by Downtown Oxford Economic Development Corporation (DOEDC), the City of Oxford and partner Granville Health System. Events are scheduled from 4 until 9 p.m. in downtown Oxford.

The Christmas parade will take place rain, snow or shine, so please plan accordingly.

Event Schedule:

4 – 6:30 p.m. – Vendor Market opens

5:30 p.m. – Line up begins for parade participants

6:30- 6:45 p.m. – Welcome and opening comments

6:45 – 6:50 p.m. – Lighting of the Greens

7 p.m. – Parade starts

The parade will start on Belle Street, travel down Williamsboro Street, then Hillsboro Street, and end by taking a right on McClanahan Street to the Public Works Parking lot. Please note that there will be no parking in the Public Works parking lot (127 Penn Avenue) on the evening of the event.

Butner Christmas in the Park

Butner Gazebo Park – 416 Central Avenue in Butner.

This is a beautiful evening, which includes a children’s time of visiting with Santa, Christmas music and entertainment, a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and the official lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.

Children can visit with Santa from 5 until 6:45 p.m. Program begins at 7 p.m.

Delrayno Baptist Church’s “A Journey Back to Bethlehem” Live Nativity

Delrayno Baptist Church – 1315 College Street in Oxford.

Enjoy a reenactment of the first Christmas with a drive-through nativity scene featuring actors and live animals. Nightly performances December 7-9 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

For more information on these and other Granville County events, please visit www.visitgranvillenc.com.

To hear Allen’s interview in its entirety, including information on additional upcoming events, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.