The annual Rivertown Christmas celebration in Columbia was held Thursday through Sunday, December 7-10, despite inclement weather.

Rain forced sponsors to cancel the Friday evening tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas movie, and Santa’s arrival at the courthouse as well as the Saturdayafternoon Main Street parade.

Undaunted, Santa showed up in Southern Dreams Gallery on Main Street Friday evening, for breakfast at the fire station Saturday morning, and in the Columbia Theater Saturday afternoon.

Drizzling rain continued through Saturday as a northwest wind accompanied the season’s lowest temperatures, making outdoor activities uninviting.

Sunday was clear and cold, permitting scheduled events to go on as planned.

The Hospice Tree Lighting Ceremony was held on schedule Friday evening, inside the Tyrrell County Visitors Center, in memory of John “Jackie” Borst Jr., Jeanette (Pobby) Deaver, Betty Hayes, Edward Hill, Linda Holder, Catherine Jones, Anthony Leary, Sidney Litchfield, Lora McClees, and Sara Jane Selby.