MCADENVILLE, N.C. — The small town of McAdenville, known as Christmas Town USA, will light up with over 600,000 Christmas lights on 300 trees, continuing a tradition that began 71 years ago.
The tradition started in 1954 when Dick Roberts and three other employees at Pharr Yarns decided to decorate a tree with about 300 lights to bring Christmas spirit to the town.
“Little kids, their faces pressed up against the window and their eyes as big as a dollar. That makes it worth it all,” said Dick Roberts, one of the original founders of the tradition.
In 1954, Roberts was an 18-year-old employee at Pharr Yarns, and along with three colleagues, he sought to brighten up the town’s holiday spirit.
They initially decorated one tree, and the following year, they expanded to nine trees along Main Street after receiving encouragement from the mill owner.
The event gained national attention in 1980 when a news crew dubbed McAdenville Christmas Town USA, attracting visitors from across the country.
On Monday, the town features elaborate decorations, including elves as big as cars on rooftops and wreaths on nearly every window or door.
A lake in town is adorned with lights in the shape of nine Christmas trees, commemorating the moment the tradition began to grow.
Roberts, now 90, will continue to watch the lights from inside his church, cherishing the joy and wonder the display brings to children and visitors alike.
The official lighting celebration starts at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street, and admission is free. The lights will shine from 5:30 to 10 p.m. every night through Dec. 26.
Traffic is known to back up onto the exit ramp. To avoid the worst of the lines, visitors are advised to arrive early.
If you’re able, walk instead of driving through. Organizers also recommend going on a weekday earlier in the season, rather than on the days leading up to Christmas.
VIDEO: McAdenville transforms into Christmas Town USA
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