Belmont's Christmas Village will include downtown ice skating rink
Adam Orr Staff Writer @AdamROrr
A downtown ice skating rink - maybe the first in the town's history - could be the star attraction as the Belmont's Christmas village kicks off early next month.
Belmont Downtown Director Phil Boggan said a 40-foot by 50-foot ice skating rink will be placed at the city's Mill Street Parking Lot, directly behind Sammy's Neighborhood Pub, Dec. 5-7.
"As far as I can tell, we've never had an ice skating rink in downtown Belmont," Boggan said. "Last year we started looking into it, and found out it's not cheap, but we did secure a grant through CaroMont to help fund it."
The rink will be open from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Dec. 5-6, and from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Dec. 7.
The holiday schedule in Belmont is packed in the early days of December, as the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 2, in front of City Hall.
The Festival of Trees, including colorful themed trees along Main Street and Stowe Park, kicks off Dec. 2 and runs through Jan. 1, 2020.
The 70th Annual Belmont Christmas Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, and Boggan said more than 100 floats, bands and vehicles will take part.
The Christmas Village, beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m., Dec. 7, will include s'mores, hot cocoa, cider, cookies all available along Main Street.
"The whole idea is to bring people into town and make them feel welcome," according to Ted Hall, president of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce. "And these celebrations do just that. So many people are moving into the eastern side of Gaston County, many with young children. It's smart to host events that can get people out and bring them together. It's just a great atmosphere that everybody can enjoy."
You can reach Adam Orr at 704-869-1828.