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/1484781
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM NOVEMBER 23 - 29, 2022 UCW 7 Everyone is at home and you are looking for something fun for the whole family to do. Check out "Holidays on Hay: A Season of Light" celebration in downtown Fayetteville on Friday, Nov. 25, starting at 3 p.m. e Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County has been planning to make the holiday season a little brighter, a little sweeter, and a lot more caring. From the incredible drone light show to the annual lighting of the holiday tree, and all the art, performances, food and craft-making in between, Holidays on Hay has something for everyone in your crowd. Yes, drone light show. e Arts Council is gifting the all-new "Season of Light Drone Show" powered by Fayetteville State Univer- sity. is free showcase will bring the holiday alive with innovative aerial displays of three- dimensional seasonal shapes and characters that can be seen up to four miles away. Imaginations will soar as 200 state-of-the- art drones present stunning holiday imag- ery across the night sky. is one-of-a-kind experience is a safe, environment-friendly, and sensory-friendly showcase for pets and all audiences. It is expected to be a showstopper that your family will be talking about for many anks- givings to come. Whether you've called Fayetteville home from the beginning or are here for a brief stint, remember family and friends from all over time and space at the tree lighting. Bridging past and present, those who have gone before and those yet to come, the "Il- lumination Ceremony: Community Tree & Candle Lighting" ushers in the holiday season as the community gathers in the spirit of unity with our loved ones and in reflection of those lost this year. e Cool Spring Downtown District's 22- foot Holiday Tree located in front of the Arts Center is a reminder of all the points of light we call family. Is it an annual tradition for your kids to make a gingerbread house? en you should enter it into the annual "Gingerbread Village" contest produced by the Chameleon Chil- dren's eatre for a scrumptious way to make holiday magic with the Arts Council and Cal- lahan & Rice Insurance. Whether a novice or a more advanced decorator, the village displayed at Capitol Encore Academy will be filled with the most delightful, imaginative and even traditional gingerbread house creations for a chance to win great prizes. Could you recreate your own home in gingerbread? Or maybe Cool Spring Place, listed on the historic register? Or how about the Arts Council building? ere are many ideas to try, but interested applicants must register at www.WeAreeArts.com/ holiday to participate. Many families have in their holiday practices an act of service in the community. e Arts Council is brightening the spirits of pediatric patients and nursing staff at Cape Fear Valley Health that cannot be home with their fami- lies for the holidays. As you revel in the merriment of the day, stop in front of the Fascinate-U Children's Museum to create an original "Get Well Wish Card" with a personalized message for the "Art of Caring" community project. "Being able to share holiday cards created by members of our community with patients will also allow them to have a sense of social support during their illness. "We are grateful to the Arts Council for always thinking of ways to have a positive impact through the arts on those in our com- munity who are facing illnesses," said Sabrina Brooks, vice president of Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation. You don't have to go anywhere else to grab the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. e "Holiday ARTS Market" will ignite the streets of Downtown Fayetteville with glorious dis- plays of unique, handcrafted holiday trinkets, treats and treasures created by local artisans. Attendees will also experience the joyful sounds of music ensembles, festive dance exhibitions, and amazing theatrical perfor- mances by local entertainers and performance groups. You'll feel a warm glow supporting local artists and crafters this season. Many of these groups are also nonprofit organizations, so if you're looking for places for your end-of- year giving, this will also be a great day to find organizations to help support. Children and the young-at-heart will enjoy the special "Kids Holiday Craft Corner" that will be filled with activities like decorative holiday make and takes, Santa's Workshop, a Christmas Bounce House, and lots of exciting train rides around the Market House on e Polar Express. ose little big hearts will enjoy making magical memories with their parents and caregivers. Visit www.WeAreeArts.com/holiday for more information about featured performanc- es, the gingerbread contest registration and more. Brighten your holiday (and holi-night!) with your friends and family on Friday, Nov. 25 at the Arts Council's "Holidays on Hay: A Season of Light" celebration. e event is presented by Fayetteville State University, Cape Fear Valley Health, Calla- han & Rice Insurance, with project support from Capitol Encore Academy, Chameleon Children's eatre, Fascinate-U Children's Museum and Cool Spring Downtown District. Drone production provided by Pixis Drones. Arts Council's Holidays On Hay celebration brings new experience to Fayetteville by DEVRA THOMAS EVENT DEVRA THOMAS, Contributor. COMMENTS? editor@upandcomingweekly. com. 910-484-6200. (Images courtesy e Arts Council)