McAdenville
The quiet little town of McAdenville, which lies along the South Fork River in Gaston County, N.C., comes alive in spectacular fashion each year as Christmas draws near. This is the 48th year the small textile town, population about 800, once again transforms into "Christmas Town, U.S.A."
The McAdenville Christmas Lights date back to 1956, when the McAdenville Men's Club conceived the idea of using lights to decorate a few trees around the McAdenville Community Center. Nine trees were decorated that first year.
This year, from December 2 to 26, you can see more than 450,000 red, green and white bulbs on some 400 trees. Hours are Monday through Friday, 5:30-9:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 5:30-11:00 pm. From December 22-26 the lights will glow from 5:30 p.m. until 11:00 pm.
Town residents add to the light show, decorating houses in their own original styles. By the carload and busload, people come from all over the country to see the display.
One of the favorite spots for viewers is the lake which is situated near the heart of town. There are 75 trees, ranging in size from 15 to 30 feet, which circle the lake. A fountain located in the center of the lake jets water 75 feet into the air.
Overlooking the lake is a large display of Santa and his reindeer. The display is nine feet tall and 75 feet long, just another way for the residents of McAdenville to say Merry Christmas.