Welcome
to
Christmas in Historic Chatham 2008
This year's theme is
“Return to Competition”
1800 - 1850
Mark
your calendars for Thursday December 4th,
Friday December 5th and Saturday the 6th
to begin your Christmas season here in Chatham.
Chatham First is delighted to
commemorate 134 years of Chatham history with a Christmas weekend celebration of
history and fun. The Town of Chatham, VA has been in existence since 1874, but
before it was called Chatham it was the town of Competition, Virginia, so named for the
lively controversy surrounding the official designation of the Pittsylvania
County Seat. The section of Chatham that once was the town of Competition is the
focus of this year’s activities, and we invite everyone to come and learn more
about our town’s history.
There will be activities for the whole family
throughout the weekend!!!
On
Thursday night, December 4th join us
7pm at Shadetree Rare Book Gallery for
Chatham First's Christmas meeting and to celebrate the historical town of Competition
with a new book review, a short play, Dulcimer concert, and an exhibit of artifacts,
photos and maps with wine, punch & light fare reception.
The adult public is invited to attend.
Friday night, December 5th meet at 7pm for Christmas music on the
courthouse steps.
Then take part in the traditional Lantern Lighting Festivities and Yule Log Celebration.
Stay for as “Soundcheck” a popular teenage
"open mic" coffee house experience,
a special treat for the young at heart of all ages.
All day Saturday,
December 6th, stroll around downtown Chatham for crafters,
food vendors, and auctions with offerings for townspeople and visitors alike. Get
your Christmas shopping done right here on Main Street to support your local
businesses. Take time out for a horse-drawn guided
carriage tour, or wander
around the site of old towne Competition. Be sure to see the last unwidened
street of Competition - the alley across from Pruden Street. There will be informational signs
throughout the area to lead you through the pages of history.
Be sure to arrive early for the Chatham
Christmas Parade, presented again this year by
The Chatham Volunteer Fire
Department in conjunction with Chatham First.
This
year’s parade starts at 11:00am and will delight everyone in the family
with floats, bands, fire trucks, antique vehicles,
and more -
including a visit from Santa and
Mrs. Claus.
Later on Saturday, Chatham First is pleased to present a free concert
with the “old time music” of Kinney Rorrer and
the New North Carolina Ramblers. Chatham First
Christmas Committee welcomes for the second time "The
Church Sisters" who were part of the Friday night Christmas music on
the steps last year and have now put out an album!
There will be
plenty of food and refreshments
offered by the town restaurants and visiting
vendors all day.
To close the weekend on Saturday at 4pm, all are invited
to the "Chatham Schola Cantorum" at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Dr. David Smith, Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and Mr. Kevin Zakresky,
Music Director at Chatham Hall, along with many others,
will offer a special medieval Christmas Mass in Latin with Gregorian Chants.
Join us for a fun-filled time with family and friends at
Christmas in Historic Chatham,
December 4th, 5th and 6th, 2008.
Click here for a full detailed Schedule
