Christmastowne December 4, 2008

Christmas Towne, a free family event in its fifth year, will be held 4-7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center’s events plaza. This is an outdoor event, and festival goers should dress according to the weather. Christmas Towne is sponsored by Wendy’s Restaurants and is organized by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Myrtle Beach. Christmas Towne will feature the official tree lighting ceremony for Myrtle Beach at 6 p.m., emceed by Diane DeVaughn Stokes as Jingles the Elf. A new 45-foot artificial tree with 7,000 lights will represent the official tree. The tree and ornamental lights are provided courtesy of the Myrtle Beach City Council and the MBACC. “Christmas Towne is a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit,” said Julie Sluss, MBACC festivals manager. “I’m excited about the unveiling of Myrtle Beach’s new tree, which will make the official tree lighting ceremony a little more special this year, thanks to our city council. I’m also thrilled that we can continue to offer all activities and entertainment free to the public, thanks to our sponsor and participating area businesses.” The festival will offer train rides, new this year, and the popular photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and inflatables. Other free activities include cookie decorating, button and ornament making, face painting, balloon and spin art, basketball hoop shooting, toss games, appearances by Medieval Times’ knights, Dixie Stampede’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and lots of giveaways for kids. More than 20 area businesses will be participating to provide these—and more—activities at no cost. Live entertainment and free refreshments will also be part of the festivities. The ceremony will showcase the talents of Forestbrook Elementary School’s fifth-grade chorus and Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach. Wendy’s Restaurants will be serving free chili, and free hot chocolate also will be available. Christmas Towne is an official drop-off location for Toys for Tots. Those who attend are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help make holiday dreams come true for local children. “Toys for Tots has sent an urgent plea for toys this year,” Sluss said. “I encourage participants to remember a child in need and bring a toy.” For more information, visit www.MyrtleBeachChristmasTowne.com or call 626-7444.

Official Website: http://www.MyrtleBeachChristmasTowne.com