The Town of Wake Forest and Wake Forest Downtown have announced plans for a new holiday event on the second Saturday in December that will replace the annual Christmas parade.
Citing an array of parade-related challenges, including potential safety threats and the impact of road closures on a growing number of downtown residents, the Town and Wake Forest Downtown have agreed to introduce a community festival that promotes unity, reflects the spirit of the holiday season and embodies the character of the Wake Forest community.
Modeled after last year’s grassroots event coordinated by local resident Wesley Spottiswood, the inaugural Wake Forest Cares Christmas Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12. Themed Embracing the Season of Giving, the occasion will invite area residents to downtown Wake Forest for an afternoon of food, fun, caroling and local entertainment.
The holiday festival will also cap a month-long initiative that encourages charitable giving by highlighting volunteer and donation opportunities at local charities and non-profits, including Tri-Area Ministries, Hope House and the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club – just to name a few.
Complete details about the Wake Forest Cares Christmas Festival will be announced in the coming days.
In the meantime, Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones and the Board of Commissioners released the following joint statement in support of the new event.
“The Wake Forest Cares Christmas Festival is an opportunity for our community to turn the page and embrace the true spirit of the holiday season. We are excited about starting a new tradition that promotes unity and celebrates the wonderful character and generosity of our citizens.”
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3 Responses
Just another way to take the birth of Christ and Christmas away. IT IS THE Christmas season and the art of “giving” is a part of the season. I was hoping Wake Forest would not follow the new age crowd and dismiss the reason for the season… Very disappointed of this news!!!
Christ’s Mass is all about unity and peace. In any seasonal celebration we should recognize the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ. The focus should be on the Founder.
AGREE!!!!