By Michelle James
After a hectic day of Christmas shopping, area residents can relax a bit on Black Friday as they enjoy a more peaceful side of the holiday season at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine�s annual Appalachian Coal Town Christmas.
From 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, guests can stroll the mine�s coal camp and take a ride underground as both the camp and the mine will be decorated with more than 200,000 lights.
�It�s such a unique experience to have Christmas lights underground,� said Renda Morris, executive director of the mine. �It may sound kind of odd, having lights underground, but when you see it, it�s just kind of breathtaking.�
Although the attraction will be open every weekend between now and Christmas, Morris said the biggest celebration will take place Dec. 4 and 5 since it will include horse-drawn wagon rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, a visit from Santa Claus, roaming carolers and more.
Additionally, each evening will include a bonfire for marshmallow roasting.
Morris said she hopes to see a large turnout for the weekends.
�We have a lot of visitors that come out to see the lights and people who come from out of state,� she said. �Some have made it a tradition to come and see our Christmas lights each year.
�Everyone loves it,� she continued. �It�s beautiful.�
� E-mail: mjames@register-herald.com
