McADENVILLE, N.C. -- More than 375 illuminated Christmas trees, some 200 wreaths hanging throughout town and hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights adorne every home and business in the town of McAdenville, which is about to celebrate the 58th annual Christmas Town.
It's a Carolina Christmas tradition with its roots in the invention of electricity.
"There's a history to it and how it all started," said McAdenville neighbor Mike Dinius.
He talking about visitors strolling down the town’s Main Street, amidst extravgant holiday displays. It all started after McAdvenville became the first North Carolina town with electric lights.
"People used to walk here from Salisbury to see the electricity, see the lights, and it kind of grew from there," Dinius said.
Now, thousands come from even greater distances for the 26-day stint when "Christmas Town" is all lit up.
"The garland, we switched it this year,” explained Tommy Redman, another McAdenville resident.
Redman and his wife are on a deadline to make this Thursday's tree lighting ceremony which officially kicks off the 58th annual ‘Christmas Town.’ It's a tradition he used to share with his father who died three short years ago.
"He loved it just because of the people coming to see it," Redman said, who promised it would continue. "We do it because of him and not really because of competition or anything."
But competition amongst neighbors is to be expected.
"I just wanted to go pretty but not gaudy," Dinius said about his home’s display.
Some displays, like Redman's, will have music. Others, like Dinius’, have a sleigh.
"Santa will be here starting next Saturday and Sunday and probably every weekend thereafter," Dinius added.
For people living in ‘Christmas Town’ it's about the joy they're giving others.
"The people,” Dinius said. “They're interesting. They stop. They ask permission 'Can they take pictures.' I need to put a sign that it’s okay to take pictures,” Dinius added.
The official ‘Christmas Town USA’ tree lighting ceremony is Thursday. It starts at 4:30 p.m. in the McAdenville town plaza. While you can drive the route, it's suggested you park and then walk since traffic gets heavy as Christmas day approaches.