Sneads Ferry hosts Winter Fest

The 14th incarnation of the Sneads Ferry WinterFest may have pared down its scale this year, but the focus remains the same — a chance for the community to celebrate the advent of the holidays.

“It should be a local celebration,” said Ann McLaughlin, of the Sneads Ferry Community Council. “We’re not there to make money on this.” This is McLaughlin’s first year chairing the event.

The WinterFest will take place at the Sneads Ferry Community Center. The Friday, November 30 concert begins with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. where cider and cookies will be served.

The three nights of music featured two years ago has been cut back to one — a Friday (Nov. 30) concert featuring performances by local vocalists Stephanie Williams, Mandy Cheek and The New River Harmony Band. The emphasis, McLaughlin said, is on celebrating the holiday season (rather than having several nights of music).

Unchanged are the Saturday festivities, which start with a “Breakfast with Santa.” Mr. Claus will be on hand all day to visit with children while families take in a pancake and sausage breakfast offered by The Lions Club from 8 to 10:30 a.m. The Stump Sound Masonic Lodge will be serving a hotdog lunch through the afternoon.

Also on Saturday, the Community Center’s Arts and Crafts show will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — doubling as a venue for area artists and a stop for Christmas shoppers. Twenty different booths will feature everything from watercolors to jewelry to top candles plants and baked goods from the Sneads Ferry Garden Club.

The annual Shrimp Festival brings dozens of vendors from all over, but the WinterFest is a time for local artists to show off their own handiwork.

The Sneads Ferry Winter Fest events are planned for Friday night at 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sneads Ferry Community Center. For information, call The Sneads Ferry Community Center at 910-327-3335. Admission to the event is free to the public.