AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

Holiday events are happening in Lexington. This weekend, there are three free family-oriented events with Lexington’s Snowball Festival.

The traditonal tree lighting will take place in Lexington Square Park Friday. On Saturday, there will be a Movie in the Park at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Santa will officially arrive at 3 pm Sunday during the Lexington Christmas Parade on Main Street.

Tonight, Thursday, is Mission Lexington’s annual Trunk Show, 5-7 pm, at Lexington’s Old Mill, 711 E. Main St. Always a popular event, there will be many available items, such as jewelry, holiday decor, shoes, accessories and more at bargain prices.

Hal McIntosh, Lexington County Choral Society founder and conductor, will present the concert, “Sing We Now of Christmas,” at 7:30 pm December 6 and 7 at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, 5503 Sunset Blvd., Lexington.

Come out December 8 for the Lexington County Museum Open House, 1-4 pm, at 231 Fox Street. Refreshments of gingerbread, cookies and spiced apple cider will be served. All structures will be decorated in antebellum fashion and a period cooking demonstration will take place.

The monthly tea at the Lexington Main Library will happen that Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm. You may bring cookies for a swap with attendees. Hats of any kind are always appropriate and fun to wear.

Our Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce was privileged to have two prominent guests recently. University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen spoke with much vision for our flagship university during his November 22 visit.

Then, on November 26, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott paid a visit to meet and greet Lexington residents. Big crowds attended both events with great interest and enthusiasm.

Help fill a holiday basket for families in need through our Mission Lexington. Items needed are frozen turkeys, hams, canned sweet potatoes, collards, green beans, cornbread and brownie mix.

Mission Lexington reports a large portion of its workspace has been turned into a toy shop where parents can choose gifts for their chidlren. Last year, Mission Lexington provided 857 familes with gits for their children. You can give a dontation or place a barrel in your church or business. Email lauren@missionlexingtonsc.org for information.

Hamp Caughman Jr. reports that the SC Survivor Outreach Services, in conjunction with the SC Governor’s Office, hosted several Gold Star family members at the Governor’s Office. The tree was adorned with over 350 gold stars, each one having the name of an Army veteran who had passed away in the last five years. Included in those were stars with the names of soldiers from South Carolina who had been filled in action. Hamp and Jane Caughman, parents of Spec. Thomas Caughman, were on hand to help decorate and placed a gold star with their son’s name on the tree. A reception followed.

The Lexington Community Band presents a concert of holiday favorites at the Lexington One Performing Arts Center December 8 at 3 pm. For information, visit www.lexingtoncommunityband.org or call Martha Raffaele, 610-283-8321.

Happy Birthday to Suzanne Compton, Allison Taylor, Alex Knight, Hamp Brabham, Jean Johnson, Rachel Maxwell, Cathey Klimek, Brian Peck, Dakota Bays, Christopher Broome, Wendell Christine, Bill Juhl, Harmon Petrusick, Sandra Shealy, Meadow Wessinger, Bryce Windham, Dayne Brett, Corley Hightower, John Lovett, Doug Schreiber, Linda Gunter, Beverly Moore, Nila Ballentine, Charles Brooks, Ralph Haggard, Kerri Brittingham, Chuck Corley, Holly Gamble, Nolan Rish, Shannon Wessinger, Thomas Brunson, Debbie Height, Hannah Niver, Caroline Tucker, Meghan Tucker, Travis Gordon, Allen Kirksey, Kathy Lybrand, Peter Mondeel, Maura Ross, Jennifer Harper, Erica Waites, Hailey Williamson, Paula Calhoon, Graceanne Crumpton, Todd Bryant, Katie Dawkins, Michael Hersey, Mike Sayles, Kay Berry, Bob Lowman, Star Murray, Tim Hill, Rod Dooley and Debbie Walker.