Hendersonville – In a heartwarming display of community resilience, Chimney Rock Village enjoyed a festive holiday celebration that promised to uplift the spirits of families still recovering from Hurricane Helene. This special event, organized by CityServe and a coalition of nonprofits, corporations, and faith-based groups, aimed to bring joy and a sense of normalcy back to the region.
A Day of Festivities for All
Residents and non-residents and their families were invited to Lake Lure & Chimney Rock on December 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for a free holiday celebration. The event featured a variety of activities designed to spread cheer and foster community connections. Fun for families included taking pictures with Santa, enjoying complimentary food and hot cocoa, and browsing through vendors’ crafts that are local to Chimney Rock.
For those interested in understanding the impact of Hurricane Helene, guided bus tours showcased both the devastation and the ongoing restoration efforts in Chimney Rock. These tours were led by local business owners who shared their personal stories of rebuilding and resilience.
Mayor Pete O’Leary expressed optimism about the recovery process, stating, “We want to show the world that while we’re nowhere near finished with this multi-year project, we’ve made some great progress and initial repairs. We are on the road to recovery.”
Exciting Activities
The day’s agenda was packed with exciting activities, including guided bus tours through Main Street in Chimney Rock, an opportunity for children to meet Santa and receive a toy, live holiday music featuring a special performance by Jonathan Cain from Journey, and a variety of free food options such as brisket barbeque and cookies. CityServe Senior Vice President Todd Lamphere emphasized the importance of this event, noting that many relief efforts were winding down as the holidays approached. “But we want everyone to know that we’re doing all we can to ensure every child and family in the Chimney Rock region has a great Christmas this year,” he said.
VIP Support for Recovery Efforts
The celebration saw appearances from notable figures, including NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Cole Custer and driver Stefan Parsons, who were present from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Additionally, Jonathan Cain debuted a new song dedicated to Hurricane Helene victims during the festivities.
This event was made possible through the ongoing support of various partners, including 180 Disaster Relief, Good360, and World Vision, among others. Since the hurricane struck, CityServe and its volunteers have been actively involved in providing essential services such as mobile kitchens serving thousands of meals daily and distributing emergency relief supplies.
This festive gathering stood as a testament to the strength and unity of the Chimney Rock community. The holiday celebration not only aimed to bring joy but also served as a reminder that even in challenging times, hope and resilience can shine brightly.