Trinity Smith, Sophia Myers, and Dianaii Carbajal Delatorre pose with their bicycles.
Kristian Russell | Yadkin Ripple
EAST BEND — Excitement filled the air in East Bend on Saturday night, as the community came together to celebrate its Small Town Christmas. The event was held in front of East Bend Elementary School, where the Christmas tree stands in all its glory. The evening was filled with entertainment, toys, and a visit from Santa.
The festivities began with the singing of the National Anthem by Luke Poplin, and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. The homegrown Christmas tree was then lit to sounds of cheers and excitement from the crowd. Youth Pastor Jarad Warden spoke about the three wiseman and their trip to Bethlehem.
After the outside event was completed, attendees headed inside the East Bend fire station for light refreshments. During this time, the winners of the fourth grade “What Christmas Means to Me” essay contest were revealed. Trinity Smith, Sophia Myers, and Dianaii Carbajal Delatorre were announced as the winners and each of them received a new bicycle.
Organizers with the God and Country Celebration, which hosts the event annually, collected donations of canned or dry food goods or personal hygiene and toiletry items on behalf of East Bend Christian Ministries. Each year the committee donates to help a local family in need.