Oh thepeopleyou meet

The other day a friendly gentleman by the name of Charles Kemp asked me where I was from.

I’ve learned from experience that that question is a two part loaded question.

I’ve already been labeled a Yankee, by a couple of folks around here — probably because I’ve spent the majority of my career in Ohio, although I wouldn’t consider the Buckeye state to be my state of origin.

To answer the mayor’s question, I grew up in Denver, Colorado, finishing college in journalism studies at the University of Colorado in Boulder — Nanu, Nanu.

I still cheer for the Denver Broncos and I certainly miss the Rocky Mountains, but having spent the last almost decade south of the Mason Dixon Line, my blood has certainly thinned — to the point that I grab a jacket when the temperature drops below 60 degrees.

And, the temperature dropping signals the arrival of the holiday season, which could not arrive, of course, without the Lumberton Christmas Parade

Christmas, in all its glory, will be on parade Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Dick Taylor Plaza in Historic Downtown Lumberton and then continuing north on Elm Street all the way to Biggs Park Mall.

Organized by the Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce the annual Christmas parade will have bands, floats, kings, local royalty, and a number of special guests, including that “right jolly old elf” himself, Santa Claus.

During the last few years, I’ve come to love the Lumberton Christmas Parade; it’s easily as good as any parade I’ve enjoyed. With one child serving as the drum major in the high school band and another playing tuba, I’ve been to a fair amount of parades.

But if you can’t make it to Saturday’s big show, here are a number of other holiday themed events to put you in the Christmas spirit…

Rowland Christmas Parade, Nov. 30

The Town of Roland’s Christmas Parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Nov. 30. Parade entries should line up by the old middle school 8-9 a.m. Following the parade, visitors will enjoy food vendors and merchants at the Train Depot, at West Main St. and West Railroad St. For more information, call 910-422-3333.

Pembroke’s Twilight Christmas Parade and fireworks show, Dec. 5

PEMBROKE — Pembroke’s Twilight Christmas Parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Pembroke Elementary School. The parade will end at the UNCP Football Stadium. Stay for the “Official Lighting” of the Christmas tree right after the parade in the park. Finally, enjoy the rescheduled Fourth of July Fireworks display behind the Lumbee Regional Development Association (LRDA) office complex, 636 Prospect Road, just east of the UNCP campus.

Fairmont: Holiday on Main Twilight Christmas Parade, Dec. 6

The Town of Fairmont’s Holiday on Main Twilight Christmas Parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, following the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. in the Fairmont Community Park. All wheeled units in the parade must be decorated with lights in a creative manner. There will be a $100 cash prize for the most uniquely and creatively illuminated entry. The parade lineup will be on South Main Street, so parade participants can watch the tree lighting ceremony before the parade begins.

Following the parade, the town will present entertainment at the Heritage Center, which will begin around 7:30 p.m.

St. Pauls Christmas Parade, Dec. 7

Each year at 6 p.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29, 2024), the Town of St. Pauls holds the traditional Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Memorial Park Grounds. This begins the Christmas Season and heralds the start of a number of other Christmas Time events.

The St. Pauls annual Christmas Parade is the first Saturday in December (Dec. 7, 2024) of each year and is sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce. Santa sets up shop each year to hear from the children. There are floats galore, and Christmas Music is playing everywhere. The entire town gets involved in this one, too. Just about every Town department is involved in one aspect or another. Kids, of course, are the ones with the enormous eyes as all of the Christmas Floats roll by with Santa, Reindeer, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and, of course, presents abound. This has been a mainstay of our little town for more than 55 years and counting.

Red Springs Christmas Parade, Dec. 14

The Town of Red Springs’ Christmas parade will take place on Dec. 14 and is organized by the Chamber of Commerce.

Maxton Christmas Parade, Dec. 14

The Maxton Christmas Parade will take place on Dec. 14 along West MLK Drive. For more information, call 910-844-5231

Other Holiday Events

A Very Local Holiday Festival — O.P. Owens Agriculture Center, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 7

The NC Cooperative Extension invites Robeson County residents to attend a unique shopping experience featuring local arts and crafts vendors, fresh produce, protein and other products. A free crafts corner will be available for children ages 5-12. Those interested in being a vendor should contact Mack Johnson at (910) 671-3276.

Christmas Market — His and Hers Greenhouse, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 7

His and Hers Greenhouse is hosting a Christmas Market. Santa will be checking his list twice! Vendors, food, face painting, barrel train ride with the Grinch, and even free photo options will be available. Shop local and support our local community by purchasing seasonal florals and plantings. Don’t forget to check out the fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables that are available.

St. Pauls House Tour, Dec. 8

ST. PAULS — The St. Pauls Christmas House Tour shows off the beautifully decorated homes — both inside and out. A number of residents open their homes to a walking tour of the town and enjoy the spirit of Christmas with the company of friends. Tours take place on the second Sunday of December (Dec. 8, 2024) each year.

A Christmas Carol, the Musical – Purple Door Productions, Nov. 28 to Dec. 8

LUMBERTON — Purple Door Productions presents a new tradition for Robeson County audiences with this classic tale of love, family and redemption set to traditional period music and carols. A very favorite ghost story returns as Purple Door Productions presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the Musical. Tickets may be purchased by calling the PDP studio or going online at https://purpledoorproductions.ludus.com/200467520. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29; 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; 3:30 p.m. Dec. 8.