Local Happenings: Christmas-related events begin in earnest

THIS WEEK

Salvation Army kicks off Red Kettle Campaign Nov. 20

ASHEBORO — The Salvation Army of Asheboro will officially launch its annual Red Kettle Campaign with a community celebration on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at its store location, 472 E. Dixie Drive, Asheboro.

This year’s Annual Red Kettle Kickoff is being held in partnership with the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce’s “Chamber After Hours” event and will feature live music, craft items for sale, door prizes and a special Christmas sale inside the store. The evening will also include the first official donation of the season, made by Whitaker Farms, with co-owner Faylene Whitaker presenting the contribution.

The Annual Red Kettle Campaign is one of The Salvation Army’s most recognized and vital fund-raising efforts. All proceeds stay local to support programs that provide food, clothing and assistance to families in need throughout the year.

For more information, contact Lilly Whitaker, public relations coordinator, at Lilly.Whitaker@uss.salvationarmy.org or call 336-625-0551.

November’s Cruise-In also a Toys for Tots event 

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro Summer Cruise-In Series, organized by Grounded Elegance Car Club (Michael Allred) and Brightside Gallery (Mary Murkin), will host its eighth and final event of 2025 on Nov.  22.

The theme of the evening will be the event’s annual donation drop-off for the Randolph County chapter of the Toys for Tots organization. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the cruise-in to donate for youngsters in the area who would not have a very Merry Christmas otherwise.

The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. in the parking lot of C4 Church at 1128 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro. Later, as always at least once each cruise-in evening, Allred will lead cars onto Fayetteville Street for an old-fashioned cruise up and down the heart of downtown Asheboro.

FitForLiberty Expo coming up on Saturday, Nov. 22

LIBERTY — Liberty will be the site for another FitForLiberty Expo & Festival, set for Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Liberty.

The event includes a Turkey Trot 5K, a fitness competition, a kids obstacle course and even free fitness classes. There will also be a Vendor Village, food trucks, and karaoke and a live DJ among live entertainment options. 

The event is free but pre-registration is required for some activities. Call 336-622-4796 to learn more.

Mountaire Thanksgiving dinner set for Nov.. 22

SILER CITY — In Mountaire’s annual Thanksgiving for Thousands program, the business partners with the community to pack and distribute complete meal boxes for families who need a little extra help this Thanksgiving. For more than 30 years, Mountaire has hosted this event. 

An event is held in the area of each of its four plants, one of which is in Siler City. All of the meals will happen on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Hundreds of volunteers and employees sign up to help.  They will be packing boxes full assembly-line style, and the menu includes a plump Mountaire roaster chicken, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, yams, stuffing, gravy and brownie mix. 

Hundreds of non-profit organizations and churches that arrive that day, pick up their allotment, and distribute to the community every year.

The details are for the Siler City meal are as follows:

■ Check-In: 7 to 7:30 a.m.

■ Welcome: 7:30 a.m.

■ Packing & Distribution: 8  to 11:30 a.m. 9,500 meal boxes for the community 

Note: There are no walk-up opportunities for individuals. Distribution happens only through these trusted community resources off-site every year.

For more info, contact Mountaire Cares Manager Elizabeth “Liz” Mauney, 919-279-5843.

UPCOMING

Mall’s Christmas activities begin on Black Friday

ASHEBORO — The holiday season, Asheboro Mall is inviting shoppers and families to experience the joy of Christmas through a lineup of festive activities, seasonal décor and family-friendly fun.

Holiday Activities at Asheboro Mall:

■ Santa’s Arrival & Photos: Nov. 28 through Dec. 24.

■ Gift Wrapping Station:

— Girl Scouts Service Unit 146, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

— Happy Hills Animal Foundation, Dec. 12, noon to 7 p.m.; Dec. 13, 4 to 6 p.m., Dec. 14, 1 to 5 p.m.; Dec. 19, noon to 7 p.m.; Dec. 20, 4 to 6 p.m., Dec. 21, 1 to 5 p.m., Dec. 22 through 24, 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. each day.

■ Holly Jolly Giveaway: Dec. 1 to 23. n Joy at the Mall: Dec. 8 to 24.

“It’s a time to come together, make memories, and share in the joy of the season,” Rosanna Frisch, Senior Marketing Manager, said. “We’ve planned something special for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information, email mallevents@hullpg.com or visit Asheboro Mall’s website.

Christmas Trolley Tours on Mondays in December

ASHEBORO — Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual Christmas Caroling Trolley Tour, held this year on the first four Mondays before Christmas, beginning on Dec. 1.

The climate-controlled trolley takes riders through downtown Asheboro to view Christmas light displays and experience a retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Story” by local actors, who will board the trolley at various stops to tie the story together.

The City of Asheboro and Chick-fil-A sponsor the tours, which last about 1 hour. Performances are at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on each of the four Mondays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22. Tickets are $40 each and are on sale at sunsettheatre.org. 

Tours originate and end at the Asheboro Farmers Market parking lot at 134 South Church Street. For more information, contact the Asheboro Cultural and Recreation Services office at 336-626-1240.