Holiday events kick off Nov. 17 in Corbin
The holiday season will start picking up steam on Nov. 17 and 18th with a craft show and “Shop Local” festivities and culminate Dec. 1 with the annual Christmas Parade.
From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Corbin Center will be hosting the Craft Expo, featuring a variety of handcrafted items made by local crafters and other vendors.
Items will include handcrafted jewelry, wreaths and Christmas décor, wood carvings, gift baskets, embroidery work, baked goods, paintings, metal work and other items.
We have a few coming from Knoxville, Lexington, Richmond or Jellico, but the majority of the vendors are from the Tri-County area,” said Susie Hart, who manages The Corbin Center.
“It is full,” Hart said of the vendor space.
While no additional vendors are being accepted at this time, Hart said she is putting together a waiting list of additional vendors to contact should space become available.
Anyone interested in being added to the list may contact Hart at 261-7739.
In addition to the vendors, members of Johnson Road Holiness Church in London will be providing concessions.
Santa Claus will be making an appearance between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. He will be available for pictures.
“You will not be required to purchase a photo to see Santa,” Hart said noting that while a professional photographer will be available, family members are free to take their own.
The shopping will continue on Nov. 18 with Corbin annual shop local event downtown and Christmas Open House.
All of the stores along Main Street will be open between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
In addition, they will be offering sales and discounts on merchandise.
At NIBROC Park, the Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission will be providing free hot chocolate and Cumberland Valley National Bank will be providing snacks.
Corbin native Sydney Adams, a singer/songwriter who released her first single, “I Don’t Care,” in October, will be performing live.
Adams announced on her Facebook page, Sydney Adams Music, Friday that she is beginning to work on her first album.
Applications are now being accepted for the Fifth Annual Corbin Christmas Parade on Dec. 1.
Local and area businesses, organizations, non-profits and groups are welcome and encouraged to participate.
“There is no theme for the entries. We just ask them to keep it in the holiday spirit,” Kriebel said.
While entrants have flexibility in their decorating, two rules are strictly enforced.
The tourism commission will provide the one-and-only Santa for the parade. Santa will ride on his own float in the parade.
No candy or other items may be thrown from floats or vehicles in the parade.
Kriebel said this is to help ensure the safety of spectators.
Lineup for the parade will begin at 6 p.m. at Corbin City Hall.
The parade will proceed up Main Street, turning left onto Gordon Street and then disbursing along Kentucky Ave.
The deadline to enter is Nov. 26.
Tourism Director Maggy Kriebel said the application is available on the tourism’s commission’s website, or may be requested by mail, or fax by contacting the office at 528-8860.