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Mayor hosts old-fashioned Christmas

(Dec. 1, 2016) When Pocomoke City elected Bruce Morrison to the office of mayor for the first time six years ago, he wanted to create an event to thank citizens for their support, thus the first Mayor’s Old Fashioned Christmas Evening was born.
Celebrated this Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the mini-park and the adjoining municipal parking lot on Clarke Street, across the street from City Hall, the event will offer several different holiday-oriented activities, and most of them are free of charge.
“I really wanted to give back to the citizens, and most everything there is free. It’s family fun, and it doesn’t cost you anything,” Morrison said. “Bring the family and come meet Santa, visit the bonfire for s’mores and listen to the music.”
Morrison said the event’s popularity is evidenced by the turnout — between 700-800 people last year.
The Mayor’s Old-Fashioned Christmas will offer numerous old-fashioned activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa’s house, and ornament and cookie decorating for children.
A large bonfire, provided by the town, will serve as the s’more cookout spot. Free refreshments will be provided by local vendors and includes hot chocolate, hot dogs, hot cider, peppermint sticks and more. Adults are invited to sample wines from Layton’s Chance Winery.
At 6 p.m., Morrison will light the town’s Christmas tree while Frank Henry performs “The Spirit of Christmas.”
Additional live entertainment will be provided during the event, beginning with music by the Salem United Methodist Church Brass. More performances by the Dance Loft, Pocomoke Elementary and High School choirs, and Christmas carols by the Glad Tidings Worship Team are scheduled.
A holiday wreath contest and silent auction will be held to benefit the Downtown Pocomoke Community Garden in efforts to feed the hungry. The public can bid on the wreaths decorated by Pocomoke area businesses and residents.
Also scheduled is a homemade chili cook-off, which will start at 6:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. Residents and businesses will provide samples of their chili to be voted on by the public via cash donation. Proceeds will benefit the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company.
Prizes will be awarded at 8 p.m. to the top three business and individual winners for both contests.
The old-fashioned Christmas serves as a fundraiser for local churches and non-profit organizations. Admission is free, though vendors may request small donations to support their organizations. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned good, nonperishable item or paper product to support the Samaritan Shelter’s Food Drive.
More information and registration forms are available online via www.downtownpocomoke.com.