Christmas events planned

From Staff Reports

In the coming days, the spirit of Christmas will be alive at several area events, including a parade, parties, Santa’s Corner and more.

On Dec. 11, the Upper Kanawha Valley Community Center in Kimberly will host its Christmas dinner from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Door prizes will be given away; must be present to win.

And, two local municipalities have Christmas plans for Saturday, Dec. 12.

The City of Smithers will have a Christmas party Dec. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley High School. Piano music will be provided by John Michael Patrick. Santa and his helpers will stop by to see all the boys and girls. There will be door prizes for men, women, children and teens (must be present to win). Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome.

In nearby Gauley Bridge, Santa’s Corner will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the gym in the former high school building.

Parade lineup will begin at 5:30 p.m. that day at the tennis courts up Scrabble Creek, and the parade will begin at 6 p.m.

Several businesses in town are working on floats for the parade. Individuals or groups wishing to participate in the parade should call town hall at 304-632-2505 before 4 p.m. on Dec. 11.



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The River City Youth Ballet of Charleston returns to Montgomery on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Returning to WVU Tech for its fourth yearly performance, the River City Youth Ballet Ensemble welcomes in the holidays with a new production of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale “The Snow Queen.” With original choreography set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev and a cast of 40 young dancers, including 14 principals, the ballet offers exciting spectacle, a profound moral, and a child-friendly introduction to classical dance and the music of 20th-century Russia’s greatest composer.

Located in Kanawha City, River City provides a variety of programming throughout the valley, and has been named West Virginia’s Official Youth Ballet by the state legislature.

The performance will be at 7 p.m. at WVU Tech’s Conley Hall Theater.

General admission is $5. Group reservations are highly recommended at 304-382-4270.

Visit River City on the web at www.rcyb.org

Also on Dec. 12:

* The employees of the former Montgomery G.C. Murphy Store will hold their annual Christmas party at 1 p.m. at the Bethel Church Annex on the front street in Smithers. Bring a covered dish and a $10 gift if you wish to exchange gifts. For more information, call Learease Miller at 304-779-5014 or Betty Jo Whittington at 304-442-4594.

* Celebrate the season at the Nicholas Country High School Auditorium in Summersville at 7:30 p.m. with the New River Youth Symphony and Chorus, presented by Ivy & Stone, Council for the Arts. Tickets are on sale at the door only. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors, $10 for adults, or $25 for family with two adults and two or more kids. Special group rates are available if you call 304-872-4228 in advance for more information.



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On Sunday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m., and then again on Monday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., the Gauley Bridge Baptist Church will stage its annual Christmas cantata. The cantata, “Agnus Dei” by Michael W. Smith, is under the directorship of Jody Whiteside. Following the Sunday performance, there will be a pitch-in dinner.

The following Sunday, Dec. 20, the church will have its annual youth play, “What’s So Great About Christmas?” It will be at 6 p.m., with refreshments following the play.



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The City of Montgomery once again will sponsor its annual house decorating contest. Judging is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15 and residents and businesses are asked to have the lights on by 6:30 p.m. Three $50 savings bonds will be provided as prizes for the winners.



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The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1040 also will host its annual community holiday party for children of the Montgomery and surrounding area (ages infant through 12) on Sunday, Dec. 20 at Valley High School staring at 2 p.m. The doors open at 1 p.m.

There will be gifts specific to age groups, and pizza and soft drinks will be served. Santa will be there for a special visit.

For more information, call the Eagles Aerie at 304-442-8151.



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Applications are being accepted for the annual Christmas Cheer program on Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Montgomery Baptist Church at 310 5th Ave. Families with children age 12-and-under are eligible.

And, if you’re of the mind to try to help make someone’s Christmas a little brighter, donations always are welcome for Christmas Cheer. Anyone wanting to make a donation can call members of the board of directors.