Wednesday, Dec. 7

 

TREE LIGHTING & WREATH HANGING – 4:30 p.m. Isle of Wight County Courthouse Complex

The ceremony will be held on the lawn in front of the original courthouse (beside Boykin’s Tavern). Enjoy music, ornament making, cookies, cocoa and cider. Christmas tree lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. Consider bringing a new children’s book for the Book Drive by 2022 Miss Isle of Wight County Fair Madelyn Cosby. Books should be suitable for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or first graders. Admission is free.

 

Thursday, Dec. 8

 

SMITHFIELD AMERICAN LEGION BINGO – Every Thursday at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Regular and special games paying out up to $60 and two progressive jackpots currently paying over $800. Refreshments available from the Legion Auxiliary on site. Legion is located at 818 S. Church St. in Smithfield. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call the post at 757-357-9239.

 

Friday, Dec. 9

 

SURRY TREE LIGHTING – 6 p.m. on the Surry County Courthouse lawn, 28 Colonial Trail East,  Surry.

 

Saturday, Dec. 10

 

HOLIDAY DRIVE-IN – A free holiday movie, “ELF,” will be shown at Heritage Park Fairgrounds, 21311 Courthouse Hwy., Windsor. Gates will open at 5 p.m and the movie will begin at 6 p.m. No buses or 15-passenger vans allowed. Space is limited.

 

SMITHFIELD CHRISTMAS PARADE – Main and Grace streets, 10:30 a.m. See bands, floats, cars, marching groups, dance teams, Santa and more. Free admission. Spectators are urged to stay on sidewalks during the parade. The parade will line up in the lot at 518 Main St., across from Main Street Baptist Church. For information call 757-357-5182.

 

Monday, Dec. 12

 

CHRISTMAS JAZZ – The Smithfield High School Jazz Band will perform a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Concessions will be available, and donations are encouraged.

 

 

Thursday, Dec. 15

 

SMITHFIELD AMERICAN LEGION BINGO – Every Thursday at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Regular and special games paying out up to $60 and two progressive jackpots currently paying over $800. Refreshments available from the Legion Auxiliary on site. Legion is located at 818 S. Church St. in Smithfield. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call the post at 757-357-9239.

 

WINDSOR WOMAN’S CLUB – The December meeting of the Woman’s Club of Windsor will be held at the Windsor Ruritan Building at 7 p.m. Members are reminded to see emails or texts regarding some activities planned for the meeting, which will also be the club’s Christmas party.

 

Friday, Dec. 16

 

FOOD PANTRY – The Campbell’s Chapel AME Food Pantry will be open from noon-4 p.m.

 

 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT – The Smithfield High School Concert Band will perform a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Concessions will be available, and donations are encouraged.

 

Saturday, Dec. 17

FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA – Bring your cameras and cellphones to take photos of Santa from 10 a.m.-noon at Southside Church, 13390 Great Springs Road in Smithfield. Donations accepted for Iris House Children’s Hospice in Cape Town, South Africa. For information, call Dean Nowotny at 757-619-0709.

 

CHRISTMAS CANTATA – Benn’s United Methodist Church, 14571 Benn’s Church Blvd., will have its Christmas contata in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. Another performance is planned for 7 p.m. Sunday.

 

 

Sunday, Dec. 18

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICE – Sweet Haven Holy Church of God, 22188 Brewer’s Neck Blvd., Carrollton, will present “Christmas Cheers in the Air” at 11 a.m. Music and a “Christmas word” from Bishop N.C. Johnson are planned, as well as a $1,000 “Blessings Giv-away.”

 

RAFFLE FOR THE HOLIDAYS – The Difference Makers for Donna Bishop will have a raffle for a holiday basket. The basket is valued at $900 and includes items from Bath & Body Works, Krista Rose books, Jazzy book collection, Scentsy warmer and wax, winter floor mats, holiday flags, gift certificates, tumblers, holiday decor and more. For more information, call Lori at 757-375-0442, Brenda Redd at 757-647-9894 or Amanda Fowler at 757-653-1748.

 

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE – 5 p.m. Starting at Smithfield Station.

 

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS SERVICE – Surry Baptist Church will host a community Christmas service at 6 p.m. A reception will follow the service.

 

 

Thursday, Dec. 22

 

SMITHFIELD AMERICAN LEGION BINGO – Every Thursday at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Regular and special games paying out up to $60 and two progressive jackpots currently paying over $800. Refreshments available from the Legion Auxiliary on site. Legion is located at 818 S. Church St. in Smithfield. For up-to-date information (in case of inclement weather, etc.) check the post Facebook page (Post49SmithfieldVA) or call the post at 757-357-9239. There will be no bingo on Dec. 29.

 

 

ONGOING AND UPCOMING

 

SMITHFIELD LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS – “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 210 N. Church St., Dec. 9-18 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Friday shows at 8 p.m. Saturday shows at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m. Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas. Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. For information call 757-357-7338 or buy tickets online at https://www.smithfieldlittletheatre.org/

 

PLAY AUDITIONS – The Smithfield Little Theatre has scheduled auditions for its spring performance of “The Kitchen Witches.” Auditions are at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, and Monday, Dec. 12. The comedy, directed by Jeff Johnson, will be performed Feb. 10-March 5 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Adam Dennison is assistant director. Roles include Dolly Biddle and Isobel Lomax (40s-50s), Stephen Biddle (20s-30s), Rob/Roberta (the camera guy/girl/person), a non-speaking role except for final line (20s -30s). For more information visit https://www.smithfieldlittletheatre.org/.

 

FOOD DISTRIBUTION – Isle of Wight Christian Outreach is offering extended Monday hours for food distribution Monday from 4-6:30 p.m. This is in addition regular Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. distribution. Call 757-356-9267 for information. The mission is located at 402 Grace St. in Smithfield.

 

NEW EXHIBIT HANDMADE HOLIDAY SHOW AND SALE – Art Center@319 Main St., Smithfield. Through Dec. 31. Free admission. For details call 757-357-7707.

 

SCHOLARSHIP – The Kiwanis Club of Carrollton is taking applications for $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors that promote academic and service leadership. Applicants should contact their school counselor or Sherry Vincent at sherry@sherryvincent.org for applications. The deadline to complete the application is Jan. 31.

 

MANNA  – 5:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday at Healing Waters Worship Center, 12172 Smith’s Neck Road, Carrollton. Drive-thru free groceries to all in need. Visit www.hwwcnow.org for more information.

 

LOCAL VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER – Joe Grocki will be available at Smithfield American Legion Post 49, 818 S. Church St. in Smithfield, on Mondays 9-11 a.m. He is available to assist any military veteran who has questions about their benefits, issues with discharge paperwork or needs assistance filing claims with Veterans Affairs. Appointments can be made by calling 757-357-9239.

 

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY – Every second Thursday of the month at the Luter Sports Complex. Sponsored by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

 

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY MUSEUM – Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Noon – 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $2 for ages 18 and up. Interpreting local history, the museum’s exhibits include prehistoric fossils, Native American and Colonial artifacts, a country store and the museum’s most notable artifact — the world’s oldest, edible cured ham. The 1902 pork product exemplifies the patented Smithfield curing process.

 

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH JAM – Every Saturday 7-9 a.m., 111 S. Church St., Smithfield. CEC JAM is a gathering of musicians and “musicians in progress” who gather to play and sing a variety of music. Everyone is welcome to bring their favorite instrument and make a joyful noise. For details call 757-407-6333.

 

1750 ISLE OF WIGHT COURTHOUSE – The historic courthouse on Main Street in Smithfield is open Fridays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m.

 

SMITHFIELD FARMERS MARKET – Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, BSV lot, 115 Main St. Local farmers and crafters, live music, and new dining and children’s area also fresh seasonal produce and fruit. For information call 757-357-5182.

 

FIELD TRIPS IN ISLE OF WIGHT – Choose from several categories, including History, Art, Agriculture and Plants and Animals. Visit https://www.genuinesmithfieldva.com/events/detail/410/family-field-trip—plants-and-animals/80721

 

COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES – Has launched a street outreach program to pair those experiencing homelessness with resources available to them in Western Tidewater. To refer someone in need, contact Ashli Hill, case worker, at 804-546-7529 or the Regional Housing Crisis Hotline at 757-587-4202.