Features

Another big holiday market, a new Christmas Village featuring more than 50 unique vendors, debuts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in Mulberry Park at 123 Mulberry St. in Shallotte.

Celebrate with Santa Claus, hayrides, personnel from police and fire departments, children’s crafts and the Stardusters Big Band presenting a Christmas show.

Other highlights include winter vegetables, artisans, jewelers, photos with Santa, hot cider and maybe even a few extra holiday surprises.

The annual Bolivia Fire Department Christmas Parade will be held under the lights this year, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.

The parade route will remain the same, proceeding from the Brunswick County Government Complex, 30 Government Center Drive, through Bolivia on Old Ocean Highway and ending at Bolivia Elementary School at 4036 U.S. 17 Business E.

Lineup for parade participants begins 5 p.m. at the government complex.

The road will be blocked off at 5:45 p.m. and will reopen at the end of the parade.

Blues & Beach Music Concert

The Heavy Hitters of Soul present a Blues & Beach Music Concert at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Odell Williamson Auditorium on the campus of Brunswick Community College in Bolivia.

The concert will feature Jim Quick & Coastline, Clarence Carter, Theodis Ealey and Pat Cooley.

Tickets are $35 general and $40 premiere and available through 5:15 p.m. Dec. 8.

Go to bccowa.com or call the Odell Williamson Auditorium box office at 755-7416.

‘Restless Heart Christmas’

By Linda Arnold

Sir Richard Branson says, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re too small.”

That quote got me thinking about the risk/reward ratio of our behaviors. If there’s something that’s been tugging at you and you keep ignoring it, maybe you’re playing too safe in your life.

Of course, there are lots of valid reasons to pull back. If you find you’re continually doing this, though, it may be time to redefine your dream. Or get off the fence. 

Ginny is the latest canine addition to the Ward family. As soon as she joined our pack, she became very attracted to the whole foods dished in her bowl. She’d been raised exclusively on kibble, and these fresh textures, tastes and smells were enticing. Carrots, apple slices and cooked beans quickly became some of her favorites.

By Linda Arnold

How much time do you spend turning things over in your mind — again and again? It’s hard to make a move because you keep second-guessing yourself.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we had personal fact checkers, like the political ones, to filter out those obsessive thoughts in our heads? You know … the ones that can often run rampant and build on top of each other. 

Here is a list of this week’s municipal and nonprofit holiday events to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Calabash parade, tree lighting

Come celebrate the 22nd annual Calabash Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade in downtown Calabash on Friday night, Dec. 1.

Holiday fun includes local entertainment, candlelight caroling, hot cocoa and refreshments, children’s crafts and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.

By Linda Arnold

What a difference one letter makes! I like to think of ThanksLIVING as an endless season.

Don’t get me wrong. I like the turkey and trimmings as much as anyone else. It’s just that the spirit of the season could have a much longer shelf life.

Unlike other traditions, the season of ThanksLIVING has no beginning or end. It’s rooted in the spirit of gratitude that can occur all year long.

Practice makes perfect

Each Thanksgiving, Americans families and friends gather around tables, pile plates full of food, remember good times and those who left too soon or were unable to join, and toast another holiday season. In 68 percent of U.S. homes, a dog, cat or other furry, feathered or scaled companion will be eagerly anticipating dropped morsels, secret servings and leftovers.

I encourage you to include your pet in celebrating the holidays whenever possible. Here are some tips for safely sharing Thanksgiving with your pets.