The 2017 Wake Forest Christmas Parade will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9,  in downtown Wake Forest. Sponsored by PowerSecure and presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., the parade will feature over 100 colorful floats, entries from local businesses, churches, schools and civic clubs, high school marching bands, and – of course – Santa Claus. Volunteers are critical to the success of the event and needed for a variety of roles between 9:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering may sign up online at www.wakeforestnc.gov/wake-forest-christmas-parade.aspx. Please note: Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. For more information about volunteering at the Wake Forest Christmas Parade, contact Downtown Development Program Assistant Jennifer Herbert at 919-435-9427 or jherbert@wakeforestdowntown.com.

Got an interest in public transit? An opinion about rail? An idea about connecting the Triangle in ways that increase mobility for the underserved? GoTriangle is creating a Transit Citizen Advisory Committee to help keep its Board of Trustees informed about community issues associated with providing a high-quality transit network that serves the needs of our entire region. Those interested in serving on the committee have until Monday, Dec. 18, to apply. Applications are available for download on the Town’s website at www.wakeforestnc.gov/transportation.aspx under “Go Triangle.” Now that voters in Orange, Durham and Wake counties have approved half-cent sales taxes dedicated to transit improvements, plans for a light-rail system, a commuter rail line and a vast network of interconnected bus service are rolling along. GoTriangle wants to make sure it hears a variety of voices as planning proceeds. Committee members will: Provide advice and feedback to the board during planning for public

As a Christmas gift to our community and surrounding area, Wake Forest Presbyterian Church delivers the true Christmas story in a stirring virtual “walk” through Bethlehem to the stable where the Christ Child was born. Please join us this 17th year as, under the night sky, the campus of Wake Forest Presbyterian Church is transformed into the most breathtaking outdoor, living nativity program that you can imagine. With a cast and crew of more than 150, we will bring the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to life before your very eyes. As you journey through the streets of Bethlehem you will be engulfed in such emotion as this most beautiful and amazing story unfolds. Authentic costumes and settings will immerse you into believing you are actually witnessing that most holy miracle. Please come walk with us and receive the true meaning of Christmas. All

The Wake Forest Police Department is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). On Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, a team of assessors from the cimmission will arrive to examine Wake Forest Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services. Verification by the team that Wake Forest Police Department meets the commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation, a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence. As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees, local law enforcement agencies, local organizations, and members of the community are invited to offer comments by calling 919-435-9632 on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, from 1 to 3 p.m. Comments can also be heard during a public information session on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at 4 p.m. The public information session will

Area residents are invited to experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season at the annual “Lighting of Wake Forest” on Friday, Dec. 1. Sponsored by Traditions at Wake Forest and presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., the tree lighting will take place in Centennial Plaza at 301 Brooks Street, the gateway to the Wake Forest Town Hall. The evening’s festivities will get underway at 6 p.m. with Mayor Vivian Jones lighting the town’s 30-foot Christmas tree, followed by Santa Claus’ exciting arrival aboard a Wake Forest fire truck. The event will also include performances by local choirs, a children’s craft activity, “Pictures with Santa” in the town hall lobby, a Tri-Area Ministry Food Drive, and free cookies and hot cocoa, while supplies last. Guests planning to have a photo taken with Santa Claus must pick up a time ticket in the town hall lobby beginning at 5:30 p.m.