Governor, First Lady light Christmas tree

RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Mike Easley and First Lady Mary Easley participated in the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Wednesday night.

The festivities began with musical performances by the Athens Drive High School Vocal Ensemble and the Raleigh Concert Band. The Easley’s hung wreaths on the Capitol’s west doors to begin the official tree lighting ceremony.

Following the ceremony, the Junior Woman’s Club of Raleigh hosted a holiday festival featuring musical groups, children’s activities, food, community mascots and Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Capitol, the Bicentennial Plaza, and the N.C. museums of History and Natural Science.

The General Assembly Chorus and the Wake Med Chorus sang in the Capitol rotunda. The Capitol hosted an open house for guests to tour the Capitol and its holiday decorations.

The Encore Singers and the Carolina Dance Center performed at the Bicentennial Plaza outside the N.C. Museum of History. Children’s activities at the N.C. Museum of History included playing with toys and games, creating a holiday tangram and viewing the exhibits “What We Wore In North Carolina” and “Rhythm and Roots of North Carolina Music.”

The Kindermusik’s Flute Choir and the Broughton High School aCAPpella choral group performed at the Bicentennial Plaza outside the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. At the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, guests also visited the “Meet the Animals” exhibit.

The Capitol will also host holiday open houses featuring local performing groups from Thursday through Dec. 9. Hours are: Thursday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.