By Josh Bergeron
josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — There’s a 100 percent chance of snow on Saturday, at least on Swink Street.

For the second straight year, the Town of China Grove will coat a portion of the Swink Street hill with fake snow to allow for sledding. The event is free and open to the public. Participants are required to use plastic instead of metal sleds. Sledding and other activities around town start at 5 p.m. and last until 9:30 p.m., when fireworks will shoot over North Main Street in downtown.

This year, the section of hill coated with snow will be slightly larger than in 2015, said China Grove event coordinator Patti Price

Immediately surrounding the sledding hill — adjacent to the China Grove Police Station — hot chocolate, s’mores and other refreshments will be sold and fire pits will be placed on Swink Street, Price said. The town will sell plastic sleds for event attendees without them, Price said.

No pets or tobacco are allowed, she said.

She said some downtown businesses will also stay open later than usual as part of Christmas in the Grove.

Main Street in China Grove will also be a focal point for a number of other activities associated with Christmas in the Grove.

In Hanna Park, Santa Claus will make an appearance and take note of Christmas wishes. South Rowan High School cheerleaders will also do facepainting.

At the China Grove Roller Mill, there will be horse and wagon rides, caroling, music and ornament making hosted by Rowan Museum.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church will also have a live nativity that people can participate in.

Price said fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. should be visible from about anywhere in town. However, they will be shot off from near South End Barber Shop.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.