By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

Sloan Park hosed its annual Christmas at Kerr Mill event in Mount Ulla on Sunday. From 1 to 3 p.m., community members were treated to refreshments, holiday spirit and American history at the grist mill built in 1823.

Rocky Cain, the park supervisor, said about 35 to 40 people attended the event.

Along with refreshments like cookies, donuts and lemon loaf cake, children were given free gifts that were collected through the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.

Beth Setzer was walking her dog when the park employees invited her to the event.

“I love the history and this particular part of history is just awesome,” she said.

On the other side of the Christmas trees and inflatable snowman, reindeer and Santa Claus, there was the museum of historical items that people could view. Documents, such as old newspapers, were held in glass cases. Gas lanterns and glass bottles were displayed on tables and horseshoes and a cow bell hung on the walls. There was also a butter churn and an old wood-burning stove in the corner.

Chris Etheridge said he found out about the event from the Salisbury Post and decided to check it out with his wife, Diane.

“We haven’t been here in a while, so it’s a good way to get out, stretch your legs, see some sights,” he said. “Plus, you find out about the different old machines over there.”

Cain said the event was a great opportunity for spreading the true meaning of Christmas — camaraderie and fellowship.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.