Final 17

Parades

There’s nothing that can get you in the mood for Christmas quite like a
Christmas parade. Did you know they are a relic of ancient times? In the
late Medieval and Renaissance eras, Roman Triumphs were held. These
events had music, dancing, banners, and wagons filled with the things
they’d gathered during wars. At the end of the parade, a Dux (Latin for
“leader”) would ride in a Chariot. In modern days, we’ve replaced the Dux
with Santa, but the heart and soul of a parade and a triumph are the
same. We’ve scoured the region, and these are some can’t miss parades.

Lincolnton Christmas Parade: Magic on Main: Saturday,
Sunday, November 14, 4 PM. November 27, 5:30.
Court Square, Lincolnton, NC Andrews, NC

Hickory Christmas Parade: Blowing Rock Christmas Parade:
Friday, November 19. Saturday, November 27.

Union Square, Hickory NC Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC

Asheville Christmas Parade: Highlands Christmas Parade:
Saturday, November 20, 11 AM. Saturday, December 4, 11 AM.

Downtown Asheville, NC Highlands, NC

West Jefferson Christmas Parade: Taylorsville Christmas Parade:
Saturday, November 20, 3 PM. December 4.
West Jefferson, NC
Taylorsville, NC
Sparta Christmas Parade:
Saturday, November 27, 2 PM. West Jefferson Holiday Parade:
Saturday, December 4, 3 PM.
Downtown Sparta, NC
Downtown West Jefferson
Cowboy Christmas:
Saturday, November 27, 6:30 PM. Wilkesboro Christmas Parade:
Saturday, December 4, 3 PM.
Love Valley, NC Downtown North Wilkesboro, NC

We believe A Very Murphy Christmas:
learning is Saturday, December 4, 6 PM.
hands-on.
5 Wofford St, Murphy, NC
That’s why we stuff our kids
magazine full of activities that help All Jeep Christmas Parade:
make learning more fun. Our goal Saturday, December 4, 6 PM.
is to get our kids magazines in the 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC
hands of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders
of western NC for free. You can Pilot Mountain Christmas Parade:
help! Call 828.475.1323 or visit our Saturday, December 4, 5:30 PM.
Facebook page to make a donation! 124 W Main Street, Pilot Mountain, NC

Annual Valdese Christmas Parade:
Saturday, December 4, 3 PM.
100 Main St W Valdese, NC

Burnsville Christmas Parade:
Saturday, December 4.
Burnsville, NC

Starry Nights Christmas Parade:
Monday, December 6, 6:30 PM.

801 West Ave NW, Lenoir NC

Morganton Christmas Parade:
Tuesday, December 7, 6 PM.
110 E Meeting Street, Morganton, NC

Tryon Christmas Parade:
Wednesday, December 8 112 N Trade

St Steet, Tryon, NC

Robbinsville Christmas Parade:
Saturday, December 11, 1 PM.
Robbinsville Middle School, 301

Sweetwater Rd

Shelby Christmas Parade:
Sunday, December 19.
Downtown Shelby, NC

Parades not yet scheduled at time
of printing: Boone, Elkin, Beech
Mountain’s first ever Christmas Parade

52

53

Nativities

Nothing makes the Christmas story
come to life like a live nativity.

Fortunately, you have several
opportunities to visit one this
year.

Waynesville
On the evening of December
eleventh in Downtown

Waynesville, visit the Living
Nativity sponsored by First
Baptist Church.

Charlotte
The Billy Graham Library has
a live nativity that runs from
November 29th to December
23rd. Mondays through
Thursdays, you can visit between 5
and 9 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays,
they stay open until 10 and they are
closed on Sundays.

Thomasville
Journey to Bethlehem is located at

345 Faith Chapel Road. It runs
December 1 through 5 from 6
to 9 each evening.

Monroe
At Lee Park Church, 2491
Morgan Mill Road, Monroe,
there will be a live nativity

on December 2nd, 3rd,
and 4th.

Mooresville
Walk Thru Bethlehem will
be at Camp Wesley, 3090
Deal Road on December
10th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
and December 11th from 2
54 to 9 PM.

ACppharlisatcmhiaasn

Get in the holiday spirit with a weekend getaway this winter at Earthshine
Lodge in Lake Toxaway, NC. Brunch with Santa in a mountaintop lodge, a
llama meet and greet, blacksmithing and candle making at the educational
pioneer village, two roaring stone fireplaces, a holiday pajama party,
ornament making, cookie decorating and more...families and friends
can make mountains of memories at Earthshine Lodge’s all-inclusive
Appalachian Christmas, offered weekends in December. Whether you are
starting a new holiday tradition or are in the area to pick up a tree, Earthshine
Lodge provides a beautiful mountaintop setting and entertainment for the
whole family. Reservations can be made at earthshinenc.com or by calling
828-862-4207.
Appalachian Christmas packages include lodging for up to four guests in
one Earthshine’s cozy lodge rooms or cottage units, each with a majestic
mountain or forest view. Guests also get hearty, homecooked mountain
breakfasts and dinners and a weekend full of activities. Kids love the hot
chocolate bar and grown-ups can relax by the fire with a glass of Earthshine’s
famous mulled wine. Don’t forget your camera - the elves will have decked
the halls, complete with a gorgeous Christmas tree by the fireplace, and,
of course, Santa will be ready to get his picture taken with all the kids - and
the kids-at-heart, too! Guests can also explore Earthshine’s private trails and
soak up mountain views on the 76-acre property, surrounded by Pisgah and
Nantahala National Forests.
Earthshine Lodge is an outdoor education and retreat center that also
provides vacation and summer stays for guests, drawing on a long tradition
of outdoor adventure, family togetherness, fun, discovery, and relaxation
to give guests a totally unique experience, where guests return year after
year to enjoy the special magic of the mountaintop.

1600 Golden Road, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
Phone: 828-862-4207 | Email: [email protected]

55

Dazzling

You don’t have to travel very far to find
yourself in the middle of a twinkling
wonderland. The foothills and mountains
of North Carolina offer truly spectacular
light shows. How many have you visited?

56

Lights

57

Tanglewood Park Tanglewood Park
North Carolina Arboretum Festival of Lights
From November 12th until
January 1, visit Tanglewood
Park, for their spectacular
light show. Visit between
6 and 10 PM. Tickets for
the drive-thru experience
(shown at left) are $20
per car. Plan ahead for
a wait. This attraction
is popular! If you aren’t
keen on waiting, plan your
visit away from Thursday,
Friday and Saturdays.
While you’re there, visit
S’moresville, where you
can roast marshmallows.
(336)703-6400

Winter Lights at the North
Carolina Arboretum

This walk-thru experience
stands out because they take
care to be artful in their light
designs. The designers are
cognizant of form, balance,
color and other elements of
art, and the resulting lighting
displays are beautiful. See
the image at the bottom left
of the page.

A 50-foot tall tree adds an
undeniable aspect of cheer
and their Quilt garden is
popular.

Pricing and scheduling
varies, so visit their website
at www.ncarboretum.org/
winter-lights.

58

Town of Forest City

Christmastown USA
For more than half a century, McAdenville, once an industrious mill village, has
transformed itself annually into Christmastown USA. Last Year, USA today did
a Nationwide poll and named Christmastown the 4th best spot to view public
Christmas lights. They’ve actually ranked as high as #2 on the same list in the past.

There’s no charge to view the lights, and the display is massive. The lights stay on
until 10 PM, and if possible, you’ll want to go Monday through Wednesday. You
can visit any evening but it gets very crowded on the weekends.

You can walk or drive, but we recommend walking. The route is 1.3 miles long, and
driving through on weekends can take up to an hour. There’s only one route through
town while the Christmas trees are lit, and the lights are spectacular every step of
the way. The tree lighting ceremony is on December 1, and we think that’s a great
way to kick off the holiday season! On December 16th, they will light the yule log,
with a small parade proceeding. The whole affair is steeped in tradition.

59

Christmastown Town of Forest City
Christmastown The Town of Forest City puts out all
the stops at Christmastime. With
Forest City over a million lights on main street,
the downtown attracts people
from all over the state. Go for the
lights, stay for the ice skating and
the horse-drawn carriage rides. The
festivities kick off on December 4
and carry on throughout the month.

The Waldensian
Trail of Lights

The Waldensian Trail of Faith in
Valdese hosts an annual light
display. It begins the Tuesday
before Thanksgiving and runs
through Christmas Eve. You can
walk or drive through.

Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries
This event happens the first two
Fridays and Saturdays in December.
Downtown is lit up, and 2,500
luminaries line the streets and
shop and studio owners provide
hot cider. Visit with Santa and Mrs.
Claus as well!

We also tip our hats to the
individuals and families all over
the foothills who decorate their
properties in elaborate fashion.
There are too many for us to name,
but if you drive around your town,
you’re sure to find one!

fD

Welcome to the newest member of our practice,

Jesse Onekhena, DMD, MD

We are the preferred providers of oral
surgery, wisdom teeth and dental implants for
many area employers. No matter where you
live or work, you’re close to one of our office

Visit our website at www.omsdrs.com.

THE POLAR EXPRESS

The Polar Express is a children’s book written and illustrated by Chris Van
Allsburg and published in 1985. It became an instant holiday classic, and
it was adapted into a computer animated major motion picture in 2004.
The story is pure Christmas magic, and anyone with small children should
be very excited for the opportunity to recreate it. In North Carolina, there
are two Polar Express opportunities. Children should dress in pajamas for
the best experience.

North Carolina Transportation Museum

November 12-13, 19-21, & 26-28 and December 3-5, 9-12, & 14-23
Located in Spencer, North Carolina. Call (704)-636-2889 or visit
www.nctransportationmuseum.org/the-polar-express-train-ride/.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

November 12-14, 17-24, & 30-31 and December 1-24, 26-31
Located in Bryson City, North Carolina. Call (800)-872-4681 for
reservations, or visit www.gsmr.com/events/polar-express/.

62

63

Eat.
Drink.
Be Merry.

64

65

66

Roasted Turkey

• 4 apples
• 2 oranges
• 2 onions
• 3 TBS each fresh thyme, tarragon, sage and parsley
• 1 cup of butter
• 1 bunch of celery
• 2 carrots

Remove giblets, wash the turkey and pat it dry. Gently separate the skin
from the turkey. Mix the herbs and butter, and apply the mixture between
the skin and the meat. Preheat your oven to 450°. Coarsely chop your
fruits and vegetables and insert them into the cavity of the turkey. Sprinkle
with salt and pepper. Cover with foil. Cook for half an hour, then reduce
heat to 330°. Cook for about 4 hours, until your meat thermometer says
180°. About an hour before the turkey is done, remove your foil. Let it rest
for not one second under 30 minutes. There’s no need to baste, because
you’ve added a lot of moisture. Enjoy!

Star Anise Poached Pears

• Water
• pears, peeled
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/2 of a vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise or tsp of vanilla extract

Add sugar, 3 TBS of water, star anise, clove, cinnamon and vanilla to a pan
and gently heat. Note: star anise tastes like licorice, so if you don’t like that
flavor, just leave those out. The other spices will blend nicely without the star
anise as well. Once your sugar has melted, turn the heat to high and let
the mixture boil, without stirring, for about 8 or 9 minutes. Every once in a
while, wet the sides of the pan and swirl the mixture around, so it doesn’t
burn. Once the mixture turns a deep caramel color, take it off the heat and
add 1 1/4 cups of water, which will bubble, then calm down. Bring back
to a simmer and stir until the caramel dissolves. Add your peeled pears
to the mixture and cover. Cook until they are tender, turning them every
5 minutes or so. Remove the pears, and set aside, but cook the syrup for
about 5 more minutes. Pour over the pears and serve.

67

68

Dry-aged Haunch of Venison with salt and pepper. Heat your oven
to 500° and roast for 15 minutes. Then
Venison tends to dry out when turn the heat to 325° and cook for
you cook it, and there are several about 13 minutes per pound of roast.
techniques to avoid that. Our favorite Be sure to let it rest before you serve.
is dry-aging the meat. There’s solid
science behind why this makes the Roasted Vegetables
meat so tender, so you’ll want to
consider giving it a try. The basic idea Both the mushroom dish to the left
of dry-aging is to keep the meat at 34°- and the vegetable dish below are
37° for 18-21 days. The easiest way to cooked using the same technique.
do this is to use a “garage fridge,” take
out the shelves, and hang the meat so Slice your vegetables or mushrooms,
it doesn’t touch any surfaces. drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with
salt and pepper and fresh herbs of
Once you’ve aged your meat, you can your choosing. Balsamic vinegar is
roast it like you would a prime rib. You also appropriate. Cook at 425° for
can use any blend of herbs that you’d 10-15 minutes, depending on your
like to coat your meat before you cook vegetables.
it. We like sage, thyme and parsley,

69

70

Roasted Caramel
Apples

• 4 apples
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground

cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter
• 8 caramel toffees
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 4 star anise

Preheat the oven to
350°. Core your apples,
then remove a bit extra,
forming a cup.

Mix the oats, sugar
and ground cinnamon
together and then cut
in the butter.

Scoop this mixture into
the apples. Sprinkle with
a little cinnamon.

Bake for about 25
minutes then add 2
toffees to each apple.
Bake for 5 more
minutes, until the
toffees are melted then
remove the apples to a
cooling rack.

Garnish with the
cinnamon sticks and
star anise and serve
warm. This is very lovely
served with hot apple
cider.

71

Moravian Cookies

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon ginger & cloves & cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 cup molasses
• ½ cup shortening
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
Whisk together dry ingredients, except flour and spices. Bring the molasses to a
boil (watch closely) and immediately remove from heat, add the shortening, and
stir until it is melted. Beat in the sugar mixture and then one cup of flour. Remove
and need the rest of the flour into the dough by hand, then roll into a ball and store
overnight. Preheat oven to 375° and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll
the dough thin, then cut it with cookie cutters. Moravian cookies are usually rolled
paper thin, and cut with a standard cookie cutter, but if you roll them a little thicker,
the cookies will stand up to adding royal icing.

72

73

74

Royal Icing Italian Anise Cake)

• 3 large eggs • 1 teaspoon shortening
• 4 cups confectioners sugar • 3 1/2 cups flour
• water • 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
Separate the egg whites carefully. • 1 1/2 cups sugar
Even the smallest bit of yolk with ruin • 1 cup softened butter
the science behind the meringue. Beat • 4 eggs, beaten
them until they are frothy, using a • 1/3 cup orange juice
whisk attachment. Then add 1/4 cup of • 1/3 cup milk
sugar. Incorporate that, then add the • 2 tablespoons anise extract
rest of the sugar and beat for about • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
5 minutes, until nice peaks form. At • 1 drop lemon extract
this stage, your icing will be very thick, • 1 cup chopped dates
and you can drizzle water into your
mixture until it is the consistency you Preheat oven to 350° and grease a bundt
need. Then, pipe designs onto your pan. Mix flour, baking powder and salt
cookies. The icing dries very hard. You together. In a separate bowl, mix the
can also color with food coloring. This sugar and butter together until they
makes excellent “glue” for gingerbread are creamy, then mix in eggs. Combine
houses, and it’s used in all sorts of orange juice and milk, then pour into the
novelty baking recipes. Below, an ice sugar mixture. Stir in the flour mixture,
cream cone is placed upside down on anise, and lemon extract until well
a cupcake and the green royal icing is combined. Lastly, fold in the nuts and
used to decorate a Christmas Tree. dates. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until a
toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to a
*Please note that this recipe uses raw cooling rack. A simple glaze of milk and
eggs, and caution should be taken. confectioners sugar can be poured on.

75

76

DRINKS
James Vinson is our

favorite bartender. You’ll
find him behind the bar at
the Charolais Steakhouse
in Hickory. He’s a cocktail
enthusiast who is excited
about the holiday season.
And people are excited
about his holiday drinks.
His eggnog brings all the
Santas to the yard.

We asked him for drinks
that will warm us up and
remind us of Christmas.

Man O’ War

• 3 oz high quality
bourbon

• .75 oz Licor 43
• .5 oz Campari
• Dash of Habanero

syrup
• Lemon Zest

Shake all and serve over
the rocks. Add orange
garnish.

Notes: This drink was
named by a customer
after a Kentucky Derby
winner.

77

Eggy Wegg Eggnog

• 6 large eggs, separated
• 3 cups of milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup of white sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons of brandy or cognac
• 2 Tablespoons of dark rum
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh nutmeg

This is a method exercise, but the effort really pays off in the
end. First, separate the egg yolks into a medium Pyrex bowl and
place this owl over a pot of gently simmering water. Add 1/4
cup plus 2 tablespoons of white sugar to the yolks, and whisk
until pale yellow and thickened, probably around 5 minutes.
Whisk in the milk, bourbon, brandy and rum. Transfer this
mixture to a larger container. Whisk the egg whites with 1/4
cup and 2 tablespoons of white sugar until stiff, white peaks
develop. Combine the egg whites with the egg yolk mixture.
Lightly whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken slightly,
and then combine the cream with the egg mixture and the
nutmeg. Thoroughly chill the eggnog and enjoy.

Bourbon Wassail Punch

• 32 oz high quality apple cider
• 15-20 oz Seventeen Twelve Bourbon
• 2 lemons, thinly sliced
• 3 Star Anise pods, whole
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split down the middle
• A couple of gratings of nutmeg from the microplane

Slow heat is the key to success with an apple cider punch.
Scorching the cider will produce unlovely flavors. Add all
nonalcoholic ingredients to a heavy-bottomed pot, or slow
cooker. These should be allowed to cook for at least 30
minutes. The quality of the apple cider truly impacts the overall
taste of the recipe. One can add the bourbon at the end of the
cooking period, or to mugs or glasses individually. One to one
and a half ounces per serving.

78

79

Dixie Flatline

• 3 oz high quality bourbon
• 1/2 oz of Amaro

Montenegre Italiano
• 1/2 oz of simple syrup
• A slight dash of Orange

Bitters
• A slight dash of Angostura

Bitters

Stir all for approximately 30
seconds, and then strain into
a rocks glass over ice. I like a
thin orange zest to emulate the
flatline.

Notes: This is one of my all-
time favorites. It’s essentially
simple, which for me, adds to
the elegance. I named it after
a character in William Gibson’s
novel, Neuromancer. The Dixie
Flatline in the novel was a hard
copy, brain mapping of one
of the best hackers. He had a
reputation for going through
firewalls so treacherous that
his EKG would flatline.

Amaro is essentially a
bittersweet liqueur with herbal
characteristics. The amaro
world is rich and fascinating,
but it’s basically a digestif with
a low alcohol content, usually
between 10% and 40% by
volume.

80

Chinato
Manhattan

• 3 oz high quality
bourbon

• 1oz Chinato
(Barolo Chinato
works well)

• Heavy dash of
Angostura Bitters,
or whichever type
you prefer

Stir all ingredients
together in ice for
about 30 seconds,
or until well-chilled.
Serve up on ice with
an Amarena Cherry.

Notes: Chinato (key-
NOT-o) is a rich
Italian wine that
falls somewhere on
the scale between
vermouth and Amaro.
There are plenty
on the market and,
as with all things,
the quality of the
ingredients will be
represented in the
cocktail. Chinato gets
its bitterness from
chinchona, which is
the bark that produces
quinine, so this drink
is basically medicine.

81

Sparta Candle Co.

Downtown Sparta has gotten a little more exciting lately. That’s because of the
addition of Sparta Candle Company, a delightful retail store located in the heart
of downtown.
This is a store with a very clear sense of place. It couldn’t exist anywhere except the
rolling mountains of southern Appalachia. The store clearly celebrates the mountains.
As you peruse the offerings, you’ll find candles and soaps that are named after
the geographical features, communities and traditions of western North Carolina.
The company makes candles of extremely high quality. They are made of soy and
each is hand-poured inside the working studio/storefront. If you catch the workers

82

at the right time, you can watch them as they craft the candles.

Owner Jennifer Swenk concentrates on making sure her customers have a top-
notch shopping experience. From the design of the store to the “husband parking,”
Sparta Candle Company shines.

I asked her what makes her company stand out. She says,

“We focus on creating and sourcing sustainable, high quality items and creating
an upscale shopping atmosphere for our community - something we’ve found our
locals have really been starved for over the years.”

Shopping at Sparta Candle Company is an olfactory experience not to be missed.
We have a lot of favorites, but the Firefly line tickled us, since synchronous fireflies
have recently been discovered in the area. It smells like cedarwood, ginger and
lime, but it feels like sitting on your porch and watching a glorious firefly show.
We also love the High Country line. Available in soap or a candle, it celebrates our
heritage as one of the nation’s top producers of Fraser firs. It also features notes
of cardamom and cedar, and it reminds us of walking through snowy woods.
Of course, at Christmastime, you can’t go wrong with Spruce and Holly. It also
features Fraser fir, as well as oranges and cloves. If this issue of Foothills Digest
had a smell, we imagine it would smell like Spruce and Holly.

In addition to the high-quality candles, the store also sells other items that would
make lovely Christmas gifts. There is a full line of soaps, but you’ll also find hand-
crafted gifts with mountain themes, including pottery, children’s toys, jewelry, and
even clothing. The highly curated collection is big on style and mountain vibes.
Owner Jennifer Swenk is also concerned with making sure her employees are happy
and healthy. She says,

We’re female owned and led, and we’re passionate about paying a living wage.
We’re the first and only workplace in Sparta with a $15 minimum wage for every
single position, regardless of experience or education.
Jennifer’s plan is working, because the atmosphere in Sparta Candle Company is

84

85

one of cooperation. The women
are working together for a common
goal that everyone is on-board
with. They seem happy to see you
because they are, and they are
happy to be doing their job, as well.
That makes such a difference in a
retail shopping environment.

Sparta Candle Company is also
the only small retail business
that is open 7 days a week. They
only close on Thanksgiving and
Christmas, which means that any
time you visit Sparta, you can stop
in to the Candle Company as well.

The motto of the store, painted on
the wall, is,

"A FLAME LOSES NOTHING
BY LIGHTING ANOTHER.”

That sentiment sums up what’s
wonderful about mountain life
pretty nicely, and Sparta Candle
Company celebrates mountain life
every day, in everything they do.

If you won’t be near Sparta
this holiday season, visit the
website www.spartacandleco.
com. Consider purchasing your
Christmas gifts from a store that
gives back to its community. Small
towns are supported by small
businesses, and it’s the shoppers
that support the small businesses.

16 S Main St. | Sparta, NC
(336) 409-9379

86

Tickets on sale
December 6, 2021

87

Pomander
Pomander is the blanket term for any a pomander can last for many years,
ball made for perfume. The name and it maintains a pleasant scent.
comes from the French “pomme This sort of pomander would have
d’ambre”, which translates to “apple been a special treat for the people
of amber.” of Appalachia, as oranges were not
grown here.
The first historical mention of
pomanders is in the thirteenth This particular type of pomander may
century, when they were said to be a have it’s roots in witchcraft. An orange,
religious keepsake. More practically, covered with cloves and dropped with
however, they were used as olfactory oil, tied with a gold string was used as
relief. When showers and plumbing a charm for good luck, recovery and
weren’t commonplace, neither was protection.
smelling nice. Pomanders smelled
delightful, and that trait led to their To make your own, use a sharp point
enduring popularity. to prepunch holes for your cloves,
and create an aesthetically pleasing
Early versions were usually made of pattern. You can also carefully remove
metal and often included ambergris, the outer orange colored peel in some
which is made in the digestive systems sections, leaving the white exposed.
of a whale. Fresh ambergris smells like This technique works better if you
you might expect, given it’s origin. But won’t be drying your pomander. To
as it ages, it acquires a sweet, earthy dry your pomander, roll it in a spice
scent that enhances perfumes. It’s mixture that includes cinnamon and
most recognizable in musk, although nutmeg. Place the orange and the
it’s been heavily used throughout spice mixture in a paper bag. Keep it
history. The Endangered Species Act in a cool, dry place and turn the bag
of 1973 made it illegal in the United once a day. Within three weeks, your
States. pomander will be cured.

The version of the pomander that Pomanders have always been
most of us are familiar with is shown considered good luck charms, and as
at right: an orange with cloves that such, they make wonderful Christmas
has been dried. If you dry it properly, gifts.

88

89

Craft Shows

The Southern Christmas Show
For 54 years, the Southern Christmas Show has been the gold standard
for regional craft fairs. Over 400 merchants are gathered for 4 days, selling
handmade and unique items, holiday decor and more. It runs November 11
through the 21, 2021. It opens at 10 am and runs until 6, except on weekends,
when it runs until 9. Admission is $15.

‘Tis the Season Craft Show
This three day event in Fletcher runs Friday, November 19 10am-6pm. Saturday,
November 20 10am-6pm and Sunday, November 21 11am-5pm. Tickets are
$5. Merchants sell traditional mountain crafts, art, Christmas decorations and
more.

West Main Antiques Christmas Open House
This Taylorsville antique store hosts a spectacular annual Christmas Open
House. From antiques to hand-made gifts, you’ll find what you need here. It’s
held on November 6th, from 10 to 5, in Downtown Taylorsville.

90

91

Foothills Market-Christmas Charm
With vendors, artisans, and small businesses from across the state, this craft
fair offers small-town charm with big-city selection. It’s November 26-28 at
Double C Event Center in Morganton. Santa and the Grinch will be there too!

Winter Craft Festival
Held on Saturday, December 4th at Red Wolf Farm in Maiden, this craft fair
features vendors, artisans, entrepreneurs and more. It’s a great way to keep
your Christmas dollars in the local community. Food vendors will also be
on site.

92

Hard Candy Christmas Come and enjoy a magical
Art & Craft Show Christmas time at Steele’s
Farms. We are certain it
Running from November 26 to will make you as happy as
27, this show features traditional it did little Stella last year.
Appalachian artisans. It’s held on In December we will be
the campus of Western Carolina having a Christmas market,
University in Cullowhee. Saturdays with Santa and
so much more. Check
2021 Craftsmen’s Christmas our website for updates
Classic™ Art & Craft Festival and tickets for events.
This craft show runs November 26-
27 at the Greensboro Colosseum. www.steelesfarms.com
Features original work of hundreds
of artists.

Beech Mountain Holiday Market
This event is held on November 27
at the Buckeye Recreation Center.
The event features local craftsmen
and artists. It runs from 10 to 4.

Christmas Craft Fair at the Mill
This event is held at the Double
Shoals Cotton Mill in Shelby on
November 27, from 11 to 4. Enjoy
the fresh country air, and the sound
of the First Broad River as you shop.
Plenty of space to walk around and
practice social distancing. This event
will be held outside on the festival
grounds at Double Shoals Cotton
Mill, the oldest mill in Cleveland
County!

Christmas in November
This craft show is held at the
Old Rock School in Valdese on
November 12 and 13. The annual
show features handmade crafts and
Christmas gifts.

93

Granny Eckard's

Christmas Memories

Granny Eckard shares her memories
of growing up at the base of Baker’s
Mountain before modern amenities
like running water and telephone lines.

94

Christmas in the 1950s for my not too tall and had a rather small

family was very special. We didn’t trunk. The reason for the small

have much and we didn’t know trunk is that we had to fit the tree

anyone who did. down into a hole in a brick. Since

we were using the brick for our

Somehow we children managed tree stand we couldn’t cut the tree

to stow away some spending too many days before Christmas

money during the year. We always because it would dry out and be

looked forward to our annual a fire hazard. Our family had a

trip to Weaver’s Variety Store few strings of electric lights that,

in Longview to buy each other based on today’s standards, would

Christmas gifts. (The building still get too hot. Mom had acquired a

stands and at 130 years is one of few nice glass ornaments which

the oldest in Longview and now we added along with some

houses Foothills Jewelry & Loan.) construction-paper chain and

aluminum icicles.

Everything was very secretive, like:

What color of red would you like if Christmas for us was being

you had some nail polish? Would excited about giving, not

you prefer a mirror with a handle receiving. We did receive a few

or just a flat one? Does Dad need gifts, mostly clothes and shoes,

some new handkerchiefs? The and usually a new coloring book

store had only 2 isles with displays and Crayolas. Our siblings’ gifts

on both sides of the isles all filled were wrapped and put under

with hundreds of colorful and the tree for Christmas day. I

useful things. When we asked can’t claim we siblings always

Mom what she would like she had peace, love, and harmony

always answered, “I just want you but this was a start. Our parents

children to be good.” had a habit of giving, and not just

stuff, but the gift of help and time

My word, I thought we were and instruction - not just for us

always good! but for anyone in the community

who asked.

We were unaware that people

actually went out to purchase a These memories continue to

Christmas tree. We searched our make Christmas season a very

side of Bakers Mountain for a special time. Peace on Earth,

cedar that had a good shape and Good Will toward Men.

95

Christmas

cheerwith STEELE’S CONSTRUCTION
DESIGN BUILD FIRM
Christmas is the most special time of year. Bringing different elements into your
place settings and home decor will always help you design a striking table scape,
or whatever else you are trying to accomplish. Here you see the use of faux fur,
natural greens from Christmas evergreen trees, holly berries, brass, crystal, and
other elements that pull from nature.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to decorating your home. Just remember
a neutral base with pops of color is always a good idea. Also, consider adding
thoughtful touches like handwritten notes. It doesn’t cost anything to write down
your thoughts and wrap the note...it will be one of the most cherished gifts of
the year. Maybe even pop a photo into a frame and you have the best gifts
imaginable.

96

97

Church

plays and

Treat bags

Church Plays
For many people, it isn’t
Christmas until the kids at
church put on a Christmas play.
They are all pretty similar...
smiling children who have
learned their lines lining up
backstage, shepherds, angels
and wise men, dressed to the
nines and ready to share the
Christmas story.

Proud parents and grandparents
hold their breath, hoping their
kids remember what to do. And,
they never all remember what
to do, but it’s always delightful
anyway. So many children learn
the real story of Christmas
through acting it out. Watching
these plays is a proud tradition
that we hope never goes away.

Treat Bags 828-328-2283
After the church play, the treat
bags come out. Nearly every hickorytheatre.org
Southern church has taken part
in this tradition in the past, and Bugsy Malone
many still do. In the foothills and
mountains of Southern Appalachia, December 3-18
fruit has sometimes been hard to
get, especially oranges, in winter.
Since they don’t grow here,
oranges were a very special treat
that they sometimes only got at
Christmastime.

A treat bag usually has an orange,
an apple, some raisins, nuts, and
usually some gum or other candy,
like a candy cane. Do you remember
these from your childhood?

The Color Purple

January 21-February 5

100