17th Annual Holiday Show Set for Nov. 1-4
• 2018 HOLIDAY SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
WINTERVILLE—A holiday tradition returns to eastern North Carolina Nov. 1 with the 2018 edition of the Pitt Community College Foundation’s Down East Holiday Show.
This year’s fundraiser—the 17th to raise money for student scholarships and educational activities at PCC—opens with a special, adult-only shopping event Thursday evening at the Greenville Convention Center and runs through Sunday.
“The Down East Holiday Show is the PCC Foundation’s biggest fundraiser each year, so we’re hoping the community will support us and make it a rousing success,” said PCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Susan Nobles. “Last year’s show raised $141,000, which was an event record.”
Nobles said the first Holiday Show took place in 2002 and raised $13,161. All told, she said, the event has generated more than $1.1 million to benefit PCC students.
“Planning for this year’s Holiday Show began after last year’s ended,” Nobles said. “Many hours have gone into organizing this event, and we’ll spend many more ensuring it goes smoothly. It’s a great showcase for PCC and goes a long way toward assisting our students.”
Noble said organizers are continually seeking new ways to improve the show. She said the adult-only shopping event, for example, was established through suggestions from vendors and shoppers.
This year’s show will feature priority parking and a variety of food trucks parked outside the venue each day. On Thursday, television personality Lisa Prince will greet fans of her UNC-TV series, “Flavor, NC,” and distribute brochures containing recipes from Local Dish, many of which are perfect for the holidays.
“Helping with an event that raises money for scholarships, so someone who can’t afford it is able to further their education and make a difference in their lives and others, is a worthwhile cause that I am thrilled to be a part of this year,” Prince said.
With 189 vendors, including 34 first-time participants, Nobles says the show promises to have something for everyone. Along with holiday decorations, accessories and home décor, everything from wine and food items to clothing and a variety of services will be on sale.
Among the newcomers are authors Joey Jones and Ashley Norris, who will be signing and selling copies of their books.
One familiar face returning to the Holiday Show is Santa Claus. He’ll have hours Friday, Saturday and Sunday for parents to bring their cameras and photograph their children meeting Old Saint Nick.
Nobles said Thursday’s exclusive shopping event will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is for adults only, meaning no children or strollers and less crowding. Tickets for this special event are $12 each.
The show runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission each day is $10 per person and free for children 10 and under.
Sunday has been designated “Military Appreciation Day,” which means military personnel—active and retired—and their families can purchase tickets at the door for 1/2-price with a military ID.
For more show details, including Santa’s hours and a list of vendors, visit http://bit.ly/downeastholidayshow18.
10/26/2018