The inside scoop on a few of the best happenings in OTC each week.
Light Up Cornelius
Saturday, Nov. 26
4 p.m.
Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave.
The fifth annual Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for this Saturday on the lawn of Town Hall. Light Up Cornelius includes plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including free horse-drawn carriage rides around the town center, a model train display and even a visit from Santa Claus. The Cornelius PARC department will be hosting a free arts and crafts station and serving hot cocoa and cookies, perfect to snack on while you enjoy performances from the Cornelius Youth Orchestra, Grand Central Academy of Performing Arts, and soloist Rachel Alvarez, a Hough High graduate. This FREE family event is presented by Food Lion and the Cornelius PARC Department.
Pre-Turkey Day Bash and Thanksgiving Potluck
Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Thursday, Nov. 24
7 p.m.
Old Town Public House, 21314 Catawba Ave.
OTPH is throwing a Thanksgiving Eve bash, with a tap takeover from the popular Westbrook Brewing Company and live performances from The Hawthornes.
This 4-piece band is a local favorite, fusing imaginative, melodic hooks with sultry vocals, fiery guitar and luscious grooves. Fun fact: the Hawthornes front man and soul shaker, Ade Herbert, is a contributor to oldtowncornelius.com, check his column here.
And to carry on the merriment, OTPH is hosting a Potluck Dinner on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Bring a dish, bring some leftovers, or most important, just bring yourself. OTPH has always been a place where folks enter as strangers but leave as friends, so be prepared to make some this week! OTPH will be snacking and toasting the gratitude of community into the evening.
Shop Small Saturday
Saturday, Nov. 26
All Day
Old Town Cornelius, Catawba Ave. Shops and Oak St. Mill
The best thing to do after the Thanksgiving holiday is to work off some calories while supporting our local businesses! Get a jump on your holiday shopping with some big spending at small businesses.
First observed in Roslindale Village, Mass. on Nov. 27, 2010, Small Business Saturday was created in response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. It encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local.
Old Town Cornelius is the perfect place to shop small, with its plethora of shops to choose from. A few must hit spots:
Catawba Ave:
The Shoppes at Home, Heart & Soul: A unique shopping destination in Old Town Cornelius featuring home decor, designer fabrics for $10 per yard, ladies boutiques, jewelry, gifts and more!
Brand Name Consignment: Ladies Upscale Designer Fashions. Serving the surrounding areas for over 25 years! Sizes 0-3X.
Ava Lily’s Boutique: Welcome to Cornelius’s only discount designer boutique! Everything we have is always on sale, from the day it enters the door.
Take a break at Sanctuary, Salon & Spa, and discover the natural beauty that lies within you!
The Shops at Oak St Mill Village all offer an array of local one-of-a kind gifts:
Bebe Gallini’s: offers gifts galore and shabby-chic home decor. You’ll find the best brands in candles, french-milled soaps, and organic and eco-friendly products. Don’t miss out on their clothing, jewelry, accessories, and even refurbished furniture.
The Dry Sink: is a unique home decor shop. It’s a great place to pick up funky vintage furniture or one-of-kind gifts.
Oak Street Mill Antiques: became the first retail shop to open in the historic Gem Yarn Mill over a decade ago. This 10,000 square foot antique mall houses innumerable vintage treasures from a diverse group of merchandisers!
The Marketplace: This Christian-based business provides a retail space which supports fair trade artisan products which they purchase through other faith-based organizations. These organizations have created life changing programs for people who are on their journey out of oppression. By learning this craft, the artisans are empowered both economically and personally. But can you believe this one location in Old Town Cornelius has made over 60 of these Christian fair trade partnerships across 24 countries?
OTC offers many more opportunities to live local by shopping our small businesses, come on out Saturday and find out.
Check our events calendar for full listings
Jess Boye
I live here in Old Town Cornelius and absolutely love our area's unique character. My life's calling is to work to bring art and culture to the forefront of everyday life. I work full-time for Bella Love, Inc and taking care of my adorable son, Kipton.
