Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events Tree Lighting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Smithfield council approves moving downtown tree lighting to Nov. 29 and adopts street-closure ordinance
Summary
The Town of Smithfield council voted to move the annual downtown tree-lighting event to Friday, Nov. 29 (the day after Thanksgiving) and adopted Ordinance 05/2024 to permit the necessary NCDOT street closures for the event.
The Town of Smithfield council voted to move the downtown Christmas tree–lighting ceremony to Friday, Nov. 29, and adopted Ordinance 05/2024 to permit NCDOT street closures for the event.
Council members heard from Heidi Grama of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, who said organizers plan an all-day festival beginning around noon on Nov. 29 with local performers, vendors on South Third Street and activities culminating with a tree lighting at about 7 p.m. The proposal ties the event to Small Business Saturday the following day to encourage downtown shopping.
Mayor Andy Moore asked about potential scheduling conflicts with Thanksgiving travel and the council discussed outreach to schools and churches for participation. The council also noted the ordinance covers street closures for several events and that changes to event dates would have to return to the council for approval.
After discussion, the council approved the date change and adopted Ordinance 05/2024 to authorize the street closures. The ordinance adoption was presented and voted on during the meeting; the motion carried with the council voting in favor.
The event organizers said they will continue coordinating details with local churches, schools and vendors and return to the council if dates or major elements change.
