By Vivian Hopkins, VP, Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation

5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 23

GOLD HILL — “Lighting of the Fall Fires” is a wonderfully festive event that kicks off the holiday season at Gold Hill, NC. Visitors are invited to enjoy a step back in time in the quaint, beautifully decorated 19th century gold mining boom town. The event, hosted by the Gold Hill Historic Preservation Society, will be held on Saturday from 5:30-9 p.m.

The event celebrates a time when the now-restored village was a bustling social center. Its 19th century fame was made evident in the mid-1800s statement by the mayor of Charlotte, NC, saying that he had hopes for Charlotte, that it would one day be as rich and prosperous as Gold Hill.

“Lighting of the Fall Fires” event began in 2000 to celebrate the ‘rebirth’ and restoration of the mining town that had lain in ruins since the gold mining industry ended a century ago. With an advance ticket purchase, guests should begin the evening at the Russell-Rufty Shelter in Gold Hill Mines Historic Park where they will receive a bag of “gold nuggets” to pay admission to the village shops.

A vintage trolley will transport guests from the Russell-Rufty Shelter to key locations in the village where merchants will greet and entertain guests as they enter the village shops. For an additional nominal fee, guests can enjoy a carriage ride to the village from the park as well.

Live music at numerous sites will set the holiday mood with groups performing throughout the evening, including The Windsong Recorder Ensemble at Gold Hill United Methodist Church, bluegrass music at Montgomery General Store and bluegrass/country at Mama T’s Restaurant. The Salisbury Rowan Choral Society will also be performing carols and seasonal songs along the streets and on the restaurant porch.

Bonfires will keep guests warm and cozy, as will the old pot-bellied wood stoves in the shops. Ticket holders will enjoy an array of food samplings including barbecue, hors d’oeuvres and special treats in the shops as well as Brunswick stew by the bonfire. Young and old alike will delight in strolling along the lamp-lit wooden sidewalks of Historic Gold Hill, enjoying a time reminiscent of yesteryear, with all the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned holiday.

Limited tickets are still available. Tickets are $18 and at this time can only be purchased in the village shops at Gold Hill. Event info can be found at www.historicgoldhill.com

The Historic Village of Gold Hill is located in eastern Rowan County, just off US Hwy 52 on St. Stephens Church Road.

Carl White of “Life in the Carolinas TV will also be on site, filming the event for the 2019 “A Carolinas Heritage Christmas” for Life in the Carolinas TV. It will air the week of Christmas on FOX46 and CBS affiliates throughout North and South Carolina.