DOBBINS HEIGHTS — The streets will echo with the clop of horses’ hooves Saturday afternoon during a town-sponsored sleigh ride.

The sleigh will be pulled by two Percheron draft horses from Gold Leaf Carriage out of Fuquay-Varina.

“Imagine winter sleigh rides in North Carolina with NO snow required,” the company says on its website advertising both 12- and 20-person capacity sleighs, among other services for hire.

The free rides will be on a first-come, first-served basis and are scheduled to run from 3-5 p.m at Dobbins Heights Park. Refreshments will be served and photos will also be taken.

The town is scheduled to hold its annual tree-lighting ceremony 6 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Dobbins Heights Community Center.

Hamlet’s tree-lighting will be Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Depot and the town’s Old Fashioned Christmas celebration will be spread between two nights, Dec. 9 and 10.

The city of Rockingham has scheduled its 14th annual tree-lighting ceremony for 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at Cole Plaza, with Don Greene’s former chorus students singing Christmas carols.

Although forecasts Friday evening called for rain on both Tuesday and Wednesday, city Events Planner Kim Williams said the event will go on “rain or shine,” adding that city officials are praying for clear skies.

The tree-lighting ceremony for Hoffman is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Hoffman Fire Department building. Since the town board usually meets on the first Monday of each month, that meeting has been re-scheduled for Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.

Ellerbe’s tree-lighting will be part of its Hometown Christmas celebration, which will also feature live music, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and door prizes. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 6.

Although Norman won’t be holding a tree-lighting, the town will have a community dinner starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 3.

Daily Journal file photo Gracie Jackson lights the town tree at the Dobbins Heights Community Center in 2015.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_DHtree_Jackson-1.jpgDaily Journal file photo Gracie Jackson lights the town tree at the Dobbins Heights Community Center in 2015.

Staff report