Weddington's Park and Events Advisory Board meets Monday, Oct. 5, to push forward plans for the town's annual Christmas Tree Lighting after locking in food vendors, a DJ and Santa Claus at its September session.

The 6:30 p.m. meeting at Weddington Town Hall, 1924 Weddington Road, has one substantive item on the agenda: assignment updates for the holiday event.

Planning picked up speed at the board's Sept. 15 meeting. Board member Paula Smith reported that four food vendors, a DJ and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus had been confirmed, according to meeting minutes. Smith also gave two invoices for payment to Town Administrator Doug Gailey.

Board member Mike Petrizzo told the group he was finalizing an event map that needed to be completed before being sent to Union County. Board member Ann Marie Cruz drafted outreach emails and a SignUpGenius page to recruit school choirs, and was waiting on time-slot confirmation from Town Admin Assistant Debbie Coram.

Security and safety plans are still coming together. Board member Kasturi Shetty was assigned to contact Coram about hiring the Union County Sheriff's Office for event security. Board member Sundar Santhanam took on the task of arranging a first aid station and EMT personnel.

Kids will get a chance to write to Santa. Smith said she would reach out to the Rotary Club about donating a mailbox for letters to Santa at the event. The board decided return letters would not be written and mailed to children this year.

The board also agreed to keep sponsorship levels the same as previous years, with a fresh look planned for 2027.

Chair Gayle Butler reminded members at the Sept. 15 meeting to stay diligent about attendance. All six board members were present, with Santhanam arriving a few minutes after the 5:30 p.m. start.

Resident John Houston attended the September session and expressed appreciation for the board's interest in Camp New Providence. He gave members a reading he would like presented at next year's event.

The town has not yet announced a specific date or venue for the 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting. Mayor Jim Bell described the event as taking place in late November in the 2026 community calendar. The board's final planning meeting before the event is set for Monday, Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Upcoming community dates

  • Monday, Oct. 5 — Park and Events Advisory Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., Weddington Town Hall
  • Monday, Nov. 2 — Park and Events Advisory Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., Weddington Town Hall
  • Late November — Weddington Christmas Tree Lighting (date and venue to be announced)