A special program, called “Life After High School,” will be held today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Green Street Presbyterian Church. Parents and high school students are invited to explore how to navigate the path from high school to adulthood. The church is at 425 N. Green St., Morganton.
The nonprofit First in Families is hosting its annual Holiday Party on Sunday at 1 p.m. The event is free to attend, and will feature toy giveaways, hot chocolate and cookies, balloon animals, face painting, and photos with Santa. The party will take place at Tex’s Fish Camp, 3452 Tex’s Fish Camp Road, Connelly Springs. First in Families supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and severe and persistent mental health challenges.
An Artists’ Holiday Pop Up Event is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Foothills Gear Garage from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit with a number of creative artists who will be selling their work. Foothill Gear Garage, 140 Fiddlers Run Blvd., Morganton; it’s at the far end of the Fiddlers Run Shopping Center, to the right of Peak Performance Fitness.
A Christmas Candlelight tour fundraiser at the Capt. Charles McDowell House will be held Saturday, Dec. 20, from 5-7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served at this event organized by the Historic Burke Foundation. Adult tickets are $20, $12 for ages 17 and younger. Reserve your spot by calling 828-437-4104.
Burke Long Term Recovery Group will host a communitywide meeting on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, at 100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton. Your participation is encouraged as we work together to strengthen Burke County’s preparedness and response efforts.
Morganton 1st Church of God hosts its Community Christmas Dinner from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Families across Burke County will have a free place to share a hot meal and pick up basic necessities. Organizers describe the gathering as a served, sit-down meal open to anyone who wants to celebrate the season with neighbors. Morganton 1st Church of God is at 675 Summers Road.
J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center (JIRDC) holds an evening of horses, lights, treats, and community cheer! The annual “Christmas with the Horses” is on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 4-8 p.m. The center will offer horse rides, hayrides, and other festive activities. Horse rides are $10, and hayrides are $5 each or $20 for families up to six individuals. Hayrides to see the Christmas lights will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Coffee, hot chocolate, baked goods, and shirts will also be available for purchase. All funds will go to the Exceptional Equestrian Program. People are also invited to drive around campus and see the holiday lights. For more information, call 828-608-6116. JIRDC is at 300 Enola Road, Morganton.
PJ’s on Parade, showcasing the best Christmas pajamas, will be Friday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. Visit downtown Valdese at 6 p.m. for PJ’s, holiday cheer, and last-minute shopping, while Valdese businesses/organizations will be hosting special evening hours, as well as some of your favorite holiday characters.
The Cats’ Cradle is hosting an open house at its new adoption center, The Mews Herald, on Saturday, Dec. 13. Come out to 301 Collett St. between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to visit Tyra “Claws” the Serval; enjoy free chili, popcorn, chips, cookies, and coffee; and take advantage of raffles for gift cards and prizes. Bring donations of cat food, litter, toys, blankets, and more to fill the Cats’ Cradle tree.
Santa Claus in Downtown Morganton. What’s Christmas without Santa? Visit Santa on the Historic Burke County Courthouse Square in downtown Morganton. Santa will be working away in his workshop on the square, ready for visits from 5:30-8:30 p.m. today and every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 20.
Mail your Letter to Santa at the North Pole Mailbox in the Old Rock School in Valdese every day through Dec. 20. Old Rock School is at 400 Main St. W in Valdese.
A community blood drive by The American Red Cross will be held at North Morganton United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The drive will take place from 1-6 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall at 990 Sanford Drive in Morganton. The Red Cross encourages donors to schedule an appointment, though walk-ins are welcome and appointments are honored first. Donors may register by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code NMgtonUMC. Participants should bring a Red Cross donor card or a photo ID.
