Maiden, NC – Maiden High School is known for pride. Pride in their athletics, especially football, their band, their arts, their school, and their community. Families grow up and stay here. Many students’ grandparents are Maiden alumni. It’s no wonder when Butch Parker and his friend had the idea of having a downtown celebration for Christmas, the high school was all in.
Seeing an opportunity to support downtown businesses like Christmas long ago, Mr Parker asked the city council to allow a Merry Maiden Downtown Christmas to be held right in the middle of town. With everyone’s agreement, the very first Charles Dickens like downtown Christmas was held on the second Thursday of December, 2013. Many local churches and organizations quickly got on board and the first event was off and running.
This year will be the seventh year of this event beginning at 5:00 pm Thursday, December 12. It runs until everyone has a chance to enjoy the hay rides, hot chocolate, funnel cakes, Christmas lights, small businesses, and home town fellowship. Singing and caroling can be heard while bands play. Face painting, foods, and crafts are also offered. Many of these things are free because, hey, it’s Christmas!
This is where we come in. Maiden High School also has an Automotive Program, the only county school with one. We have an Automotive Club, with many ladies involved, and have shown our school pride by creating a school Rat Rod. Not just any Rat Rod, a 1958ish Chevy dump truck, completely student built. The truck was completely rebuilt, utilizing and stretching two frames, adding air suspension and train horns, electric steps, walk board, and cutting a walk through in the bed to benches for seating, all built by students. Our very customized cab interior is sure to amaze.
The Automotive Club has been involved since the very first event, volunteering to assist people on and off hayride trailers during the evening and any other help that is needed. Last year was the first year we were able to give rides in our truck, which was buried in Christmas lights. We are adding even more lights, and plan a little longer route this year.
This is truly an event that will bring back childhood memories and create new. So join us all in downtown Maiden, at Town Hall, Thursday December 12.
Maiden High School’s Automotive Club
