WS Chronicle

By Algenon Cash

The unexpected snow that recently blanketed our community for a weekend previewed the coming winter and Christmas season. 

For many, including myself, the holiday season is the most valued time of the year.  The cold weather slows us down and the holiday spirit unifies the diverse people located throughout Winston-Salem. I seem to be able to focus more on my friends, blessings and little things in life as I pay less attention to work, my busy schedule or the countless demands on my time. 

For example, I’m routinely amazed by the number of people who put up a Christmas tree – I love them!  So I often snap photos of all the wonderful tress that I come across in businesses, at homes, public, anywhere.  Then I share my timeless pics online to spread holiday cheer.

Also the number of holiday parties, events and performances this time of the year brings incredible joy to so many lives in the Camel City.  Honestly there is no better experience than a carriage ride through the “Festival of Lights” at Tanglewood Park.  I’ve been a loyal visitor since the popular light display was revealed 26 years ago and most local residents still rave about the event.

However there are more opportunities to share unique experiences with your family and spend time with your closest friends during the holiday season. 

Here are just a few of my favorites:

*The Nutcracker is presented annually by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and it runs from Dec. 8-17 at the Stevens Center.  This performance is not only great for some weekend family time, but it’s also a fun idea for date night with a spouse or significant other.

*The Camel City Jazz Orchestra will host a holiday concert on Thursday, Dec. 21 at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Arts.  Every year they serve complimentary homemade holiday cookies!

*Piedmont Wind Symphony will host internationally renowned jazz vocalist, triple Grammy winner and Tony winner Dee Dee Bridgewater for a holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Reynolds Auditorium.  Of course Maestro Matthew Troy will be in the house too!

*Every child in the city wants the rare opportunity to meet St. Nick – well you can do so on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Old Salem.  Check the visitor’s center for details!

*Fox 8 host a free holiday concert, featuring music from the Winston-Salem Symphony, for the community at-large every season – this year the special event will be held at LJVM Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

This list is a mere sample of all the marvelous events happening around our city throughout the holiday season.  If you have not been able to do so, then be sure to visit the community Christmas Tree located at Corpening Plaza – take a pic and spread the holiday cheer.

Algenon Cash is the managing director of Wharton Gladden & Company, an investment banking firm, he is also a national spokesperson for the oil and natural gas industry.  Reach him at acash@whartongladden.com.