Published: November 17, 2008 09:13 pm      

Sophia gears up for Christmas festivities

A new committee has been created to institute a wide array of family-friendly Christmas events this holiday season in the town of Sophia.

“It’s such a wonderful little town — everybody knows everybody,” said Billie Coleman, co-founder of the Christmas Spirit Committee.

The group is purchasing lights, wreaths and holiday decorations for the town through donations and fundraisers.

In support of the Christmas events, a spaghetti dinner fundraiser is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Bingo Hall on Main Street.

Cost is $5 for eat-in, carryout or delivery.

The committee will light the town on Thanksgiving night, and an official light dedication ceremony from the Cornerstone Baptist Church will be 6 p.m. Nov. 28.

There will be Christmas carolers present and a candlelight visual in honor of the military at the event.

The group’s first holiday parade, themed “Hometown Christmas,” will be 3 p.m. Dec. 13. The parade will start on Independence Road.

Santa will be present on the main stage on Main Street immediately following the parade to meet with children.

There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides, hay rides and free hot chocolate and holiday treat bags for all of the kids in attendance. The event will go on rain or shine.

To make a donation or to walk in the parade, call Coleman at 304-573-0856 or committee co-founder Dee Jennings at 304-683-3918.

The committee is also accepting Christmas lights and extension cords, they hope volunteer organizations will adopt an area in town to decorate.

— E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com