Look out, Santa! A spirited group of volunteers is gearing up to “Rock Around the Christmas Tree” as they prepare for the 4th Annual Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run, a cherished holiday tradition. 

This year, over eighty enthusiastic volunteers from every neighborhood in the Town, are set to make the event more magical than ever before. Under the dedicated leadership of Sharon Reid, Chair of the Community Vision Fund Committee, and Volunteer Coordinator, Gini Brannon, the Volunteer Committee Chairs have been diligently assembling their teams over the past few weeks. Gini not only works to promote volunteerism, but she will also take the helm of the Hospitality Committee. She and Sharon are doing their best to ensure every attendee feels welcome and joyful during this festive celebration.

The Community Vision Fund Committee operates quietly behind the scenes, laying the groundwork for an event of this scale. Chair Sharon Reid has devoted countless hours to secure vital funding, streamline coordination across various event areas, and recruit committee chairs for all aspects of Christmas in Bermuda Run. Joining her on the Vision Fund Committee is Angel Jackson, who brings her creative flair to life with stunning graphics, flyers, and signage that will add a festive touch to the event. The planning team is rounded out by Kristy Bumgarner, Cody Crissman, and Cathy Ring, each contributing their talents to ensure the success of this year's celebration. Their collective efforts are instrumental in bringing the community together for a truly memorable holiday experience.

This year, we are thrilled to announce that Margie and Budd Munnelly, once again, have graciously agreed to portray Santa and Mrs. Claus (but let us keep that a secret from the kids!). They will be escorted to their cottage in style by Gary LeBlanc, who will chauffeur them in his elegant car. Speaking of Santa's Cottage, this holiday season, we fondly remember a beloved friend to Christmas in Bermuda Run, Kay Brady, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year. For the past two years, Kay brought magic to the event with her whimsical designs for the cottage. In honor, her daughter-in-law, Megan Brown, and her husband, Davin, will create an enchanting new workshop. This year's cottage will be dedicated to the cherished memory of Kay Brady. To add to the festive spirit, our delightful resident elf, Missy Flannigan, will display her stunning new elf attire while enlisting the help of Chenoa Daniel and Causby Challacombe for "crowd control" in the busy cottage.

Janet Huskins will once again take the helm of the ever-popular Letters to Santa booth, enlisting the help of Rosanne Peacock to bring joy to children writing to Saint Nick. Brandy Helton from Bermuda Village will oversee the response to these heartfelt letters, ensuring that every child receives a reply. Emily Cornatzer oversees managing vendors and securing generous gift-in-kind sponsors for the event. Additionally, Debbie Taylor will lead the Mocksville Woman's Club booth, where visitors can warm up with delightful cocoa alongside her husband, Charlie. Beth Wright will coordinate the festive ornament-making craft area held by the Bermuda Run Garden Club. A new addition to this year's festivities is the Family Photo Booth, hosted by the recently formed Davie Women's Auxiliary, with Sue Whitaker and Linda Ernst lending their support. The event promises a lively atmosphere with the return of the Davie High School Marching Band, the Dancing Boots, and performances by the Shady Grove and William R. Davie Elementary School choruses, all expertly managed by Entertainment Chair Melinda Szeliga. Do not miss the chance to hop on the adorable Bermuda Run Express, managed by David Forbis, and enjoy a picturesque ride around Town in a vintage carriage to the iconic WinMock. We are excited to welcome new chairs, Gail and John Brooks, to this year's festivities, as well!

Sugar Plum Alley will be a delightful spectacle, beautifully decorated by the talented team of Erin Hege Shea and Carolina Staging and Design. Inside the alley, visitors will find an array of scrumptious treats from our incredible business partners. Indulge in s'mores from Steelman's Ace Hardware (Dawn Steelman), warm cider from Stroll Magazine (Stephanie Hearn), delicious cupcakes from Maddie Cakes (Maddie Myers), festive Christmas treats from Lowes Foods (Jason Dillard), and delightful cookies from Bermuda Run Country Club (Brian Meeks). Families can enjoy engaging games and face painting, along with a rollicking reindeer, charmingly performed by Chick Hen (yes, his name is Chick Henn) and the loveable Frosty the Snowman will be played by Keith Joyce. Adding to the warmth and joy of the event, Katina Bailey from H2O Orthodontics will be bringing in beautiful therapy dogs, providing cuddles and snuggles for children and families alike. As always, delicious food will be available for purchase, ensuring that everyone can savor the season's festive flavors.

 An immense amount of effort goes into orchestrating the behind-the-scenes magic of this festival, ensuring that every detail contributes to a wonderful experience. Safety and security are our top priorities, and our resolute Community Officer, Mike Foster, is leading the security team. Cody Crissman, Lennie Ring, and the Smith Grove Fire Department will efficiently manage safety and traffic management. Preparing the grounds for this grand event is no small feat; we thank Stacy Cornatzer, Twinbrook Builders, and Boy Scout Troop 732 for their invaluable assistance. Making everyone feel welcome is the role of the greeters. Cheryl Gray and Jim Mackley will lead this team of gracious volunteers. Our talented DJ extraordinaire, Barry Rentz, will spin tunes throughout the day to keep the festive spirit alive. The beautiful decorations—including bows, tablecloths, and signage—are meticulously managed by Kristy Bumgarner and Cathy Ring. This year, the charming southern Slick Building will be adorned by the creative efforts of Kelly Duvall and Juliana De Giacometti Vitti. The talented Marco Basile will serve as the videographer, and Susan Hayworth has once again volunteered her skills as a resident photographer with all these incredible contributions. We are excited to welcome everyone to the enchanting experience of Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run!

As we get closer to the festivities, it is important to acknowledge that the success of Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run relies on our community's collective effort and dedication. The myriads of volunteers—each with unique talents and unwavering commitment—create a magical experience for families and friends. Every smile exchanged, every joyful song sung, and every warm embrace reflects the spirit of togetherness that defines this cherished tradition. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the holiday season as we honor our past while looking forward to creating new memories. With love, laughter, and the joy of the community at the forefront, this year's event promises to be unforgettable.