Travel NC With Kids: 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

2013 Advance NC Christmas Parade Date and Time

Advance Christmas Parade 2013 Date and Time

As the weather begins to cool and the stores begin to fill in December, many small towns in North Carolina deck the streets and have a parade! Advance, located in Davie County near Mocksville and Winston-Salem, is holding their Christmas parade on Saturday, December 14, 2013. Plan to get moving and come out early because the parade is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m.

For more information on the Advance Christmas Parade, contact the Advance Fire Department at 336-998-8181.

Additional Articles:

2013 Kannapolis Christmas Dates and Times (includes info on the train ride & model train display)
2013 National Gingerbread Competition Display Dates at Omni Grove Park Inn
Famous Christmas Movie Quotes Trivia Game

Looking for family-friendly travel ideas? Visit the Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids site maps.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

2013 Christmas in Historic Farmington NC Date and Time

2013 Farmington Christmas Date

Farmington, a small town nestled in Davie County, offers a great opportunity to enjoy the Christmas season on November 30, 2013, starting at 2:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy fun activities for the children, including a chat with Santa. Horse and buggy rides will be offered if weather permits.

Support local businesses as vendors from the area display a nice variety of gift ideas. Enjoy tasty treats prepared by Farmington Ruritans, Moravian men's and women's fellowship, and more. Those who wish to schedule a family photo session with Danny Phibbs photography may call 336-469-6929 for special rates and to set up a time.

This event is free; donations are greatly appreciated.

Farmington Community Center

1723 Farmington Road

Mocksville, NC 27028

Email: farmingtoncc@gmail.com

Phone: (336) 998-2912

More nearby holiday events and related articles:

Find additional articles by Katrena at the Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids site maps.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Mocksville Bed Race and Christmas Lighting Begins Holiday Celebrations

2013 Mocksville Bed Race Winners with Fastest Time - Rescue House Team © Katrena

Street fighting in Mocksville? Well, let's just call it a friendly competition to start the holiday season. November 22, 2013 dawned a bit warm with high temperatures nearing 70 degrees by midday in Davie County. Folks who live in North Carolina know to expect the unexpected with weather patterns – some days you might need shorts in the morning and a winter jacket in the afternoon!

Christmas Lights Turned on November 22, 2013 © Katrena

The warm weather held out for the 6:00 tree lighting in downtown Mocksville; a few raindrops did not dampen the mood. Four oak trees proudly display white Christmas lights that can be seen for miles in the southern town nestled in the Piedmont of North Carolina. As people approach Main Street, they are greeted by businesses and homes outlined with bright lights that welcome people from near and far. Even the water tower is decked out for the season.

'Twas the Night Before Bed Race in Mocksville NC

As crowds lined Main Street, teams of five were preparing for a bit of a battle of the beds. The town's second annual 'Twas the Night Before Bed Race brought out racing teams, a mascot, a bit of man-made snow, holiday music, and even the WXII news crew. Eight teams, including educational establishments, community service providers, churches, and more came out to enjoy a little competition in Mocksville on November 23, 2013. With cash prizes being offered, this was serious business!

Fun Family Christmas Activities in November in Davie County © Katrena

Many of the teams were clearly going for the fastest prize. Some teams replaced small swivel wheels with bicycle-sized ones while visions of quick times raced in their heads. Two teams lined up to face off under the oaks for each leg of the race. Crews had four people pushing while one rode in the bed. We won't talk about the team that held another team back....

DCCC Team in 2013 Mocksville Bed Race © Katrena

At the signal beds and feet would practically fly down Main Street, round the cone, and return to the starting mark. A few bells would not make it. A tire might go AWOL. I believe I heard someone call for a medic. A little rain might send runners scrambling to pick up traction. But each team gave it their best!

Gasping Grannies Take Home Outrageous Prize with Walkers, Canes & Lots of Fun © Katrena

With prizes going to teams that were most creative and absolutely outrageous, the crews decorated with flair in the hopes of catching the eyes of the judges. Imagine having one crew with full beards sporting a Duck Dynasty style while another team wore curlers in their hair and ran in nightgowns! Want to see WXII's video coverage of the event? Find the video here. After watching that clip, I can easily see another face-off in 2014...

Children Race Wagons on Main Street in Mocksville on November 22, 2013 © Katrena

Although all bed racers and riders were adults, some of the kids got into the action with wagons as they lined up to race down the street with furry friends in tow. Not to be outdone, the children also came dressed in costumes, from Spiderman to Princess and everything in between.

Fun Start to the Christmas Season in Mocksville NC © Katrena

Crowds are sure to return to the town's Main Street the next day as the Mocksville hometown Christmas parade is scheduled to entertain people at 2:00 on November 23, 2013. Local fun and fellowship...what could be better? Well...maybe a little snow.

Fun Holiday Music and Snow at Mocksville Bed Race 2013 © Katrena

Additional articles:

WXII Another Winner at 2013 'Twas the Night Before Bed Race in Mocksville NC © Katrena

Enjoy reading more of Katrena's articles at the Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids site maps. Looking for fun holiday activities, including printable scavenger hunts? Visit Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets blog.

Grannies Gasping for Air at Mocksville Bed Race © Katrena

Friday, November 15, 2013

2013 Kannapolis Christmas Dates and Times

Kannapolis Village Christmas Activities for 2013 © Katrena

Kannapolis Village, located at West C Street and Dale Earnhardt Blvd., has a nice variety of Christmas activities for 2013, from the 75th annual Christmas parade to a Christmas train ride through more than 250,000 lights. Family oriented activities abound, many of them free or with very small fees.

Kannapolis Christmas Train Ride © Katrena

The festivities are slated to start on Saturday, November 30 with the tree lighting ceremony. Local musicians will set the mood with music starting at 6:00. Enjoy the beauty of lights galore as the switch is flipped for 2013. Guests can also find lights lining the sidewalks as luminaries glow in honor or memory of individuals. A fireworks show will take the colors and lights to the sky after the tree lighting ceremony.

Christmas Light Show at Kannapolis Village © Katrena

Those who are looking for a unique way to enjoy Christmas lights can step onto the Winterland Express, a train ride that takes folks around the park to see the seasonal light show running between 6:00 and 9:30 p.m. from November 30 through December 30, excluding December 24 and 25. The train is handicap accessible and the walkways through the park are paved and wide.

Village Park Playground and Christmas Activities © Katrena

If you come before dark, the kids can enjoy the large playground featuring slides, swings, a climbing wall, and more. Tickets for the Kannapolis Christmas train ride are $2.00 each and can be purchased at the concession stand right by the parking lot. Snacks are available for purchase there as well.

Fun Christmas Family Activities in Kannapolis © Katrena

My youngest particularly likes the singing bears, an automated bear family that puts on a 30-minute show each hour on the hour. Crowds can gather around and sing tunes with the bears or simply listen to the show and songs. Santa Claus is ready to pose for pictures with the kids nearby also. The singing bears and Santa photo opportunities are offered during the times the Winterland Express is running.

Christmas Festival in Kannapolis © Katrena

The Kannapolis Christmas Festival is scheduled for December 7 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Those who bring in a pair of new pajamas to donate to the King's Pajama Program on December 7 will receive a free ticket for the Winterland Express. The festival includes carnival rides, inflatables, entertainment, craft and civic agency vendors, and of course the other Christmas festivities at Kannapolis. Admission to the carnival is free with small fees for the carnival rides.

Model Trains at Kannapolis Village Park © Katrena

If you have someone in your crowd who loves model trains, don't miss the model train display by the Carolinas Division of the Atlantic Coast S Gaugers in the community building behind the concession stand. Tinkerers who love to push buttons will feel right at home as model trains race around the room filled with tables loaded with scenes that you can change by pushing a button.

Christmas Activities Around Cabarrus and Rowan Counties © Katrena

Young and old alike might want to hang out here and enjoy the display for quite a while. This is a great opportunity to slow down, enjoy the moment, and watch the kids (and perhaps adults too!) try to figure out how each display will move. The guys who set up the trains and keep them running will be glad to answer questions about the various displays, and the indoor display room is a great place to warm up if the weather is feeling a bit wintery.

Unusual Christmas Displays in NC © Katrena

Here are the 2013 dates scheduled for the model train display at Kannapolis:

December 6
December 7
December 8
December 11
December 12
December 13
December 14
December 15
December 18
December 19
December 20
December 21
December 22
December 23

Family Christmas Activities in Kannapolis © Katrena

The Christmas parade is scheduled for December 14 at 6:00 p.m. This year, 2013, marks the 75th year of the parade. The route will begin on Main Street at Dale Earnhardt Blvd., turn left onto 1st Street, and finish on West Ave.

Live Nativity and Petting Zoo at Kannapolis Village © Katrena

Those who are looking for a religious-themed family activity for Christmas might consider visiting on December 21. This date will feature Nativity Night where visitors can see a live nativity, hear choir music, see animals at the petting zoo, and more beginning at 4:00 that afternoon.

Kannapolis Christmas Activities © Katrena

Readers may also wish to read:

Find more of Katrena's articles at Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids site maps.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

2013 Mocksville Christmas Parade Date and Time

2013 Date and Time for Mocksville NC Christmas Parade © Katrena

Although many folks have expected the Mocksville Christmas parade to roll down Main Street on the first Saturday of December for many years and counting, the date for the Davie County parade has been moved earlier on the calendar.

Christmas Parade in Davie County NC © Katrena

The Mocksville Christmas parade will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 with the theme "Let It Snow." The parade is sure to feature many area school bands and sports teams along with floats, fire trucks, old cars that one might have seen at the popular Cruise Ins, and tractors that might rolled through in July at the tractor parade.

Fun Things to do for Christmas in Mocksville NC © Katrena

This parade, like the town of Cleveland in Rowan County, thrills the crowds with live animals. You might see beautiful horses or perhaps a few furry friends from the Davie County Humane Society. Unexpected entries might wow the crowds, and of course Santa will be at the end for those kids who are anxiously awaiting.

2013 Christmas Parade Date and Time in Mocksville NC © Katrena

Mocksville's Main Street also hosts the Twas the Night Before Bed Race that will roll through the evening before on Friday, November 22, 2013 beginning at 6:00 p.m. as teams rally to see who can push the fastest under the glow of the newly lit Christmas lights.

Christmas Parade in Mocksville North Carolina © Katrena

The town's buildings and trees along and near Main Street will be illuminated to kick off the town's Christmas season at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2013. Seeing the four oak trees and courthouse clock glowing with seasonal lights is a nice compliment to the beautiful plants and flowers that line the popular street in Davie County.

Fun Family Winter Activities in Davie County © Katrena

Those looking to purchase Christmas gifts locally will find a variety of shopping opportunities around the square and nearby streets along with all sorts of tempting treats from the local restaurants.
Photos in this article are from Mocksville's 2012 Christmas parade

Fun Christmas Parades in North Carolina © Katrena

Readers may also wish to read:

Fun Things to do in Piedmont of NC © Katrena

Find more of Katrena's articles, including many area Christmas activities, at the Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids site maps.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

2013 Cleveland Christmas Parade Date and Time

Cleveland, NC, a small southern town located near Highway 70 between Statesville and Salisbury, hosts their annual Christmas parade on the first Saturday in December. In 2013, the date for the Cleveland Christmas parade is slated for December 7 at 2:00 p.m. Expect to hear sirens as the parade begins at the former YMCA building and will travel down Main Street, turning left to end at Cleveland Elementary School.

This Christmas parade is one of my favorites because my sister and mother were instrumental in starting the tradition. People who have been to this parade before know to bring a bag, large pockets, a Halloween bucket, or even an umbrella...not because it might rain but because you'll need somewhere to stash all the loot. Expect to see lots and lots of candy at this parade. My kids particularly like this feature!

You can expect to see lots of floats, beauty queens, tractors, Freightliner trucks, clowns, and of course Santa. I can only remember one year that West Rowan high school did not have a big showing in the parade, but they had a great reason – they were in the playoffs! West Rowan Middle School and sometimes other area schools also join the parade.

Cleveland's Christmas parade is sort of like the box of chocolates tradition because you never know what you're going to see. Where else might you see someone handing out potted possum...or throwing corncobs from an outhouse....or riding a bull...or see Santa on a Harley? My family particularly likes to see the live animals in the parade.

December weather in the Piedmont of North Carolina can vary greatly. I've been there for parades in snow and sleet and I've been there in the rain. A few years have been warm enough to wear shorts and a t-shirt. Check the weather report that day and dress accordingly. Make sure to bring a chair or blanket and of course something for storing all that candy!

Note: All of my Cleveland Christmas parade photos are from 2012. Feel free to share your own memories of the Cleveland Christmas parade in the comment box at the bottom of this article.

Readers may also wish to read:

I hope you enjoy my articles and pictures! Check out more of my articles at Travel NC With Kids and Love to Travel With Kids site maps.

2013 Holiday Caravan Salisbury Spencer Christmas Parade Dates Times and Tips

The day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days in the heart of Rowan County, North Carolina. Bands, school teams and queens, cars and go carts, floats and dancers begin to line the streets of Spencer in anticipation while folks from all around start to line the streets in anticipation of the Holiday Caravan parade.

This parade has one of the longer routes as it travels through two towns: Spencer and Salisbury. The date for the 54th annual 2013 Holiday Caravan is November 27. Here are the start times:

Spencer	2:00
Salisbury	3:00

The parade has grown from a modest three entries, including the Spencer High School band, Miss Spencer, and of course the jolly man in red, to entries from all over the state and a few from out of state with more than 20,000 spectators along the Main Streets of Salisbury and Spencer.

Here are a few tips for the enjoying the parade: plan to arrive early. make an afternoon of it, slow down, and simply enjoy the afternoon. Ensure that children understand not to run out into the street for safety reasons and plan to watch the kids carefully. Bring a camera to capture the fun moments. The sun will get lower as the parade progresses – choosing an area where the sun won't be in your eyes is very helpful.

Be prepared for the weather. Trust me, the parade will roll through any kind of weather. Some years are shorts weather, some may include a little snow, and other years plan to bring your umbrella and cheer for the ones that have to trudge through the wet stuff! I would recommend bringing a blanket or chairs on which to sit. The Spencer portion is shorter and earlier. If you particularly want to hear the bands play, it is a good idea to find a place close to the judge's area.

Those who wish to take the guesswork out of finding a good seat can take advantage of reserved seating by completing this form. The cost is $4.50 per seat. The official Holiday Caravan web site also has a page where you can email Santa Claus or sign up to volunteer.

This parade includes entries celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, sounds of the season, and just plain fun. Some of my family's favorite display is the go carts that zoom into various formations, veterans and other service organizations, the various bands, dancers, and of course the clowns. Any group that is giving out candy wins a thumbs up with my kids as well! Share your favorites from the Holiday Caravan in the comment section below.

Readers may also wish to read:

Find more of Katrena's articles at the Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids site maps.
Note: My photos are from the 2013 Holiday Caravan.