Saturday, December 7, 2019 New Canton Plantation hosted a community event called Christmas at the Mansion. This was an outdoor community gathering, designed to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.

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The gathering was aimed at raising awareness of a local ministry that serves so many in our area, the mission is called Of One Accord Ministry. Last year Of One Accord Ministry served over 102,000 people in the most rural and impoverished 

counties of East Tennessee. This ministry provides food pantries, a senior meals program, a summer feeding program which serve as mobile cafeterias called Lunch Box ministries, Christmas for the Children, a Medical Mission including prescriptions and eyeglasses program, they also operate thrift stores, a winter coat give-away, and even offer a good neighbor home repair. They have a medical clinic and a food pantry in Church Hill among  other places.

Last year was an amazing turn-out. around 1,000 guests attended the event. We saw countless 

smiles, many hugs, and who could forget the beautiful music and the lighting of the Christmas Tree? Children and adults alike were ecstatic to visit with Santa and Mrs Claus. Christmas at the Mansion was able to raise over $3000.00 for the mission.

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This year we hoped to make Christmas at the Mansion an annual event but unfortunately, shortly into 2020 a global pandemic flourished. This pandemic was not only hard on our family, friends, and community, many businesses were tremendously devastated. Due to state restrictions, we were unable to properly plan for the event. In addition, I did not want to ask our business for support as they need to have time to recoup their losses. Having that said, I feel we will experience a need, more than ever before for the local food pantry and medical mission. We also cannot ignore the fact that our emotional and spiritual health has been greatly impacted. it is my thought that many of our traditional holiday events may be altered or even worse, nonexistent. this makes me really sad.

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But hold on friends, I have a plan! Last year we had the "Tour of Homes". Rather than that name (which was confusing for many), this year we will have a "Christmas Light Challenge". This is an outdoor Christmas decoration competition where we can compete with our neighbors, friends, family members and businesses for a cash prize of $100, a spot in the kingsport times news, 

Rogersville review, a yard sign (and still comply with the social distance 

recommendations). 

The Christmas Light Challenge 

involves decorating the exterior of our homes, our yards, our vehicles our businesses, any unique way you'd like. We can substitute old traditions that may not be possible, for a new and exciting tradition. Hopes are that our town and surrounding towns will be festive through the entire Christmas Season and we can drive through to view the beautiful lights and decorations. 

Entry fee is $20 for homeowners and $30 for businesses. Church Hill, Mt Carmel, Surgoinsville, and Rogersville Tennessee are eligible to enter.

Entry dates are October 1, 2020 - December 19, 2020. Judging will be Sunday, December 20, 2020. Once your entry fee is paid, your address will be listed on the New Canton Plantation website www.newcantonplantation.com. I will keep an updated list of participants on social media. 

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Judging: There will be 3 judges that will critique based on creativity, beauty, and theme, and (something new this year) community votes. People can advertise their home/Business anyway they wish to recruit fans, whom can cast their vote for the "best decorated home/business. Voteswill cost $2 per vote. 

You are going to be decorating your home anyway. why not have a Little friendly competition while supporting friends and neighbors in your community?

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All proceeds will go to Of One Accord Ministries.

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