NBC 17’s Tree of Lights celebration inspired me to do more than shop for Christmas presents, mail the yearly Christmas card, bake cookies, etc.  It inspired me to visit area celebrations to see how the various communities we serve celebrate the holiday season.  Below is a short video compilation of the scenes that I captured as I attended the Capitol Tree Lighting in Raleigh, the Christmas in Cleveland celebration in Johnston County, and the Smithfield Holiday parade.  I hope you enjoy my trek through the Triangle this holiday season.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday!

The following slide show is courtesy of Tara Beddingfield.  Thank you, Tara!

Please note that all photographs are watermarked and are the property of NBC 17. Thank you!

Admittedly, I’m guilty of being a groupie of sorts.  Back in my college days I went from venue to venue to see artists like Def Leppard, Heart, and even Reba McIntyre.  I’m still kind of a “groupie” cuz I would travel as far as necessary to see my favorite musicians and actors if I had the chance. 

But, this vlog isn’t about me.  It’s about three ladies I met at Tree this weekend - two from Georgia and one from here in Winston-Salem.  These girls will travel as far as necessary to see Lifehouse.  But, I think the most interesting part of my conversation with them was how they met.  Take a look for yourself -

Earlier, I gave you a glimpse into the life of Sissy Harrington.  The following video is a compilation of some of the time I spent with the local talent.  All of the acts were generous with their time - NC Dance Institute, the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus, King’s Choir, and Sissy Harrington.   The girls of the NC Dance Institute were fun to watch, especially as they literally ran to hear Lifehouse during their soundcheck.  The ladies of King’s Choir shared what performing means to them with me.  It was truly a fun afternoon and early evening spent with the local performers.  I look forward to seeing what’s in store for us at next year’s Tree of Lights.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my vlog:

See you all at next year’s Tree of Lights!

I’m very much a right-brained person.  I love anything to do with the arts - music, movies, theater, dance, etc.  So when I got the “assignment” to spend some time behind the scenes with the local talent, I was THRILLED!!  Music, and performing in general, is a passion of mine.  I had the opportunity to spend a couple of minutes with Burlington, North Carolina -born and NC State graduate, Sissy Harrington, after her soundcheck.  I discovered that not only is she a talented young lady but she’s also very warm and gracious.  Her good fortune is our gain!  Take a look at my “Two Minutes With Sissy Harrington”:

Thank you, Sissy! Best wishes to you in Nashville and beyond.

…this holiday season?

That’s the question I asked some of the shoppers at the Streets of Southpoint mall today as we at NBC 17 geared up for our HUGE celebration tomorrow evening.  Take a look at some of the responses I received:

Now that you’ve seen what some of the folks at Southpoint are most looking forward to, we’d love to hear what YOU are looking forward to the most.  Is it going for those evening drives to check out the holiday lights or the scrumptious smells coming from grandma’s kitchen as she bakes her famous holiday cookies or for you kids out there - how ’bout the time off from school?

Go ahead and comment! We want to hear from YOU!