The fourth annual Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, together with a Kids Store shopping event, drew about 100 participants this year, despite the wet weather, organizer Nancy Patton said.
In Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, participants visit local businesses and get “passports” stamped at each one, with a chance to win cash and other prizes. “Rocking” was moved back a week in an effort to increase participation, and it worked, she said.
“It went very well this year despite the rain,” said Patton, who owns Trash to Treasure. “More people also participated than before.”
Cash winners this year, during an after party at Cedar Shack Drive-In, were Debra Nickless, Jared Rachman and Anna Dean.
Participants also voted on the businesses for the best Christmas tree, lights on inside and outside. Those winners were: Best Christmas Tree – Spoleto’s Italian Restaurant; Best Outdoor Lights – Cedar Shack; Best Indoor Lights – Downtown Restaurant and Lounge; and Best Window Display – Hippie Hollow. All received dinner for two from sponsor The Point Restaurant and movie passes from Rio Theater.
During the inaugural free Kids Store for children 12 and under to “shop” for family members, 220 gifts were given out.
Patton expressed thanks to the American Legion and said organizers plan to seek a “business sponsor, along with donations from the community, to make this an even bigger event.”