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DECEMBER 18-24, 2019 UCW 13
'Holiday Lights in the Garden' a must see
by DR. SHANESSA FENNER
Ah, the holidays. Music. Performances. Shop-
ping. And lights. e cheerful, glowing, twin-
k ling lights. If you haven't been yet, bring your
favorite people and head to Cape Fear Botanical
Garden's 9th annual "Holiday Lights in the Gar-
den" Dec. 19 – 23 from 5:30-9 p.m. It celebrates
this special time of year and showcases the
splendor and magic of the winter season in one
of the area's most sublime settings.
"Holiday Lights is a walking tour of Cape Fear
Botanical Garden at nighttime," said Lia Hasa-
pis, marketing coordinator of Cape Fear Botani-
cal Garden. "We light up the garden with lights,
other gigantic lights, twink ling lights and it
showcases beaut y in the winter."
Hasapis added that this year, they decided to
bring the focus of the experience back to what
they are — which is a Botanical Garden. ere
are natured themed displays throughout the gar-
den to enhance the light displays.
W hile lights are a big part of the event, there
is so much more that makes it a special place
to visit this time of year. "e event will feature
caroling hayrides, live performances each night,
pictures with Santa, s'mores and much more,"
said Hasapis. "e live performances will take
place each night, and it will feature communit y
members from churches, schools and up-and-
coming artists from Fayetteville," said Hasapis.
"ere will be a holiday market that will have
vendors that will sell holiday crafted items. … We
have consignment items in our garden gift shop
from holiday crafts and necessities that ever y-
body will need this holiday season."
Hasapis added there will be several food
trucks, s'mores, apple cider and hot chocolate
available for purchase. "e hay riders will ride
through a special path that is only for the hay
riders that is through the garden and it is roped
off," said Hasapis. "ey will see different kinds
of lights, other parts of the garden. And at the
end of the hayride, there is an animated stor y
that has gigantic lights that form characters from
the stor y as well.
"e event is going to be a lot of fun, and you
just need to come and glow with us this holiday
season," said Hasapis.
Admission cost is $12 for nonmembers and
members will get preferred pricing ever y other
night at $8. A family picture with Santa is $10.
For more information call 910-486-0221.
"Holiday Lights in the Garden" runs through Dec. 23.
EVENTS
DR. SHANESSA FENNER, Princi-
pal, WT Brown Elementary School.
COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin-
gweekly.com. 910-484-6200.