Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1189426
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM DECEMBER 4-10, 2019 UCW 11 The holiday season is in full swing, offering options galore when it comes time to celebrate. Cool Spring Downtown District of- fers a twist on a downtown favor- ite — an up-close-and-personal carriage ride with everyone's favorite jolly elf. The organiza- tion will host its holiday-themed horse-drawn Carriage Rides with Santa" Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22, from 1-8 p.m. "What is really exciting, espe- cially for the kids, is the Santa carriage rides, and, typically dur- ing those three weekends, we will have up to 1,000 kids and families riding with Santa Claus," said Hank Parfitt, programming com- mittee member of the Cool Spring Downtown District. "The carriage is decorated for whatever holiday it is and the driver for the carriage ride is Santa." Parfitt added that the owners of the horses and carriage go all out decorating for the holi- days. "This may be the only city in North Caro- lina where Santa is actually driving the car- riage," said Parfitt. "These rides are tons of fun, and we have people of all ages do it because this is the perfect holiday activity." Parfitt added this is a family activity, but singles and couples can join in the fun, too, by enjoying a carriage ride after watching the Christmas parade. "We do have the early bird special for the carriage ride with Santa for $5," said Parfitt. "To obtain the early bird special, you have to ride between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m." The rides are provided by S & S Carriage Rides. "They are very enthusias- tic, very professional and always concerned about client safety," said Parfitt. "Each kid will receive a candy cane as a gift, and after the ride, you can take a picture with Santa and the horse with your camera phone. "December is just a magical time downtown with all the lights and stores," said Parfitt. "It is a great ex- perience to come downtown, have a meal at one of the nice restau- rants, do a little shopping and go for a carriage ride with Santa." Tickets are $10 for adults and children over 10 and $5 for chil- dren under 10. There are no advanced reservations. Ticket sales start at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the rides at 222 Hay Street across from the Cameo Theater. Adults can ride for $5 dur- ing the early bird special from 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. For more information, weather updates, or to purchase tickets, call 910-223-1089. Enjoy carriage rides with Santa by DR. SHANESSA FENNER EVENTS Take a carriage ride with Santa in downtown Fayetteville weekends through Dec. 22. DR. SHANESSA FENNER, Prin- cipal, WT Brown Elementary School. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcom- ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200. Owen Chapel at Camp Ground Methodist Church 4625 Camp Ground Road Dates: •Friday, December 6: 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Refreshments & Santa •Saturday, December 7: 4:00pm - 6:00pm "Moravian Love Feast" to follow in main Sanctuary at 6:15 (public invited) Tickets: $8 in advance, $10 at the door Children eleven under are FREE For more information: 910-867-9436 • 910-308-6112 Th ere ' s a So n g i n t h e A i r Special thanks to: "Cumberland County's Community Newspaper" W W W . C A M P G R O U N D C H U R C H . C O M