SWAN QUARTER — There’s a big evening coming up in Hyde County, and it’s all in the spirit of Christmas.

Friday night, Hyde County residents are invited to come out and enjoy “Christmas in the Quarter,” a mash-up of different organizations putting their own spin on holiday festivities.

“Christmas in the Quarter” kicks off at 5 p.m. in downtown Swan Quarter and offers activities for all ages.

Families can bring their children to take pictures with Santa and write letters to mail to the North Pole. They can also make reindeer food, sip on hot chocolate and join in the caroling around the village.

Hyde County Farmers Market will be on hand at the event, selling seasonal produce, greenery and handmade décor. Friday is the last time the Farmers Market will be open for the rest of the year.

Hungry participants can also make their way over to Swan Quarter Volunteer Fire Department for its “holiday hot dog roast,” the proceeds of which will benefit the fire department.

Rounding out the evening is the annual “Christmas in Hyde” concert at 7 p.m. at Swan Quarter Baptist Church.

Sponsored by the MATTIE Arts Center, this concert features returning concert pianist David Roach, as well as two of Hyde County’s own performers: pianist Emily Harris, a ninth-grader, and 9-year-old vocalist Jackson Gibbs.

Roach is a native of Rutherfordton, and has been playing piano since the age of 5, according to his website biography. He is a Lamon Records recording artist and serves as the minister of music at Floyds Creek Baptist Church in Forest City.

Judy McLawhorn, director of the MATTIE Arts Center, said the concert is an event that the community looks forward to every year now.

“This is at least the sixth-annual (concert), if not more,” McLawhorn said. “They count on us.”

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for teens, and she said guests can expect to hear some of their favorite Christmas tunes. Proceeds will go toward the preservation of the old 1854 courthouse, where the arts center is located.

McLawhorn said organizers also like to bring in new, local performers every year, such as Harris and Gibbs, as it gives them the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.

Everything is set to go for Friday, and McLawhorn said she is looking forward to the performance.

“Christmas in the Quarter” runs from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in downtown Swan Quarter. For more information, visit www.hydecountync.gov.