| community spotlight | foothills arts center hosts 2021 light up night tree lighting ceremony
On Friday, December 3, 2021, a crowd of over five hundred visitors enjoyed food trucks and performances on the expansive lawn of the Foothills Arts Center preluding Elkin’s annual Light Up Night tree lighting ceremony.
Performing groups included carolers from A Joyful Noise Music School and the Yadkin Valley Community School, Pam Wunterman’s Dancers, and the Elkin High School marching band. A little holiday magic happened when Santa appeared after the marching band played "Here Comes Santa Claus."
Santa joined Mayor Sam Bishop and our community for the countdown to the tree lighting.
The considerable size and elevated placement of the tree allowed visitors to view the tree from a great distance. Holly Stringer, co-owner of Six28 House Bed & Breakfast in Elkin, commented that she had attended Light Up Night ceremonies in years past, but wasn’t able to see the tree lighting from far back in the crowd. Having the tree on the roof allowed event guests to watch the tree lighting from most locations across the lawn.
The 30' iron-and-steel-cable LED tree was hoisted onto the roof in 2020 with help from the Elkin Sign Company and volunteers Dan Butner, Brian Horton, John Cheek, and Chad Walters. Due to its scale and weight, the tree remains erect throughout the year and shines brightly from Light Up Night through January 6th.
“Thanks to Explore Elkin, we’re thrilled to bring back the tradition of the giant tree of lights atop the roof of the Chatham Center. It’s a nostalgic nod to holidays past, and a beacon of brighter days to come. Many thanks to our artists, instructors, board, staff, and community for helping us breathe love and life back into this beloved community landmark.”
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed into the center to browse the pop-up shop hosted by the Foothills Quilters, admire the tree in the foyer decorated with ornaments handmade by the students at the Yadkin Valley Community School, enjoy searching for the perfect gift from over thirty vendors in the Eidson Craft Gallery, listen to lively music played by fiddler Joe Thrift and friends, and indulge in a selection of delicious macaroons from Billy Mac’s Macarons.
