The City of Fayetteville Welcomes in the Holiday Season
The 19th Annual Dickens Day Holiday Festival Brings the Community Together for a night of Fun
Nov. 23, 2018
Contact: Bryanna-Nicole Evans
(910)-495-3037
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.—The Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County held their 19th annual Dickens Day in historic downtown Fayetteville kicking off the holiday season. The event transformed the area into a Victorian era town from a Charles Dickens’ novel.
Bob Pinson, operations director for the Arts Council said the tradition began in 1999 after Deborah Mintz, executive director of the Arts Council, and Dr. Hank Parfitt then president of the Downtown Alliance, noticed the lack of shoppers downtown during Black Friday.
“All the shoppers were at the mall. After much discussion, they hit upon the idea to have an event using Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol as a format for a community event,” said Pinson.
Vendors and artist sold goods as Festival goers rode past in horse-drawn carriages. Attendees dressed in Victorian costumes sung carols, and Ebenezer Scrooge roamed the streets with the Ghosts of Christmas Pasts.
Additionally organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, held events throughout the day in partnership with Arts Council. Anna Chott, vice president of faith and community relations for Habitat, said Habitat has hosted a Gingerbread Community of Hope at Dickens Day for several years.
“It’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” said Chott, “People come in and vote during a Dickens Holiday and the winner gets $250.”
Chott said entries for the contest come from businesses, schools, community organizations and families.
According to Pinson the event has grown with each year adding strolling artists, performing artists, and fireworks.
“The past two years over 20,000 people have attended each year,” Pinson said.
First time attendee, Traci Flowers, 44, said that although the weather was chilly she was enjoying what the different vendors had to offer while spending time with her family.
"It's a relaxing night, it really is the heart of the season," said Flowers.
Dickens Holiday takes place the day after Thanksgiving from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Those looking to get involved are encouraged to become an arts and crafts vendor, sign-up to perform, or become a volunteer.
Map of Dickens Day activities: Click the image to view map.
Created by: Bryanna- Nicole Evans