After the 2015 River Town Christmas kickoff Thursday, Dec. 3, the event continues on Friday beginning with the Culinary Arts Contest entries due at the Cooperative Extension Service office by noon. Homemade and baked items are welcome from our community’s culinary best. For more information about the contest, contact Dee Furlough at 252-796-1581.

Also at the Cooperative Extension Service office on Friday is the free, after-school, 4-H movie time from 3:15 – 5 p.m.

Around 6 p.m. Friday, Santa will arrive in Columbia by boat and greet everyone on the Town Docks.

Downtown will be busy. Shopping with this year’s bazaar vendors will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner options throughout town.

“Consider buying local this year with special, one-of-a-kind gifts that can be found throughout the bazaar,” suggest event sponsors.  “Most items are handmade or home-grown. With more than 30 vendors, you can find gifts for anyone on your Christmas list.”

New to the schedule this year is Cookies, Carols and Coffee hosted by Bob Waters at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.  Come out and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holiday or sit back and enjoy the carols sung!

River Town Christmas is organized by volunteers through the Greater Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce. To participate during the weekend’s activities or for more information, contact Sara Phelps at 252-797-4800 or Haley Carson at 252-796-1996.