By Vivian Hopkins

GOLD HILL — Each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving the quaint little town of Gold Hill, NC literally rolls out the red carpet to welcome visitors to the Lighting of the Fall Fires. The ticketed event, now in its 16th year, was originally organized to say thank you to those who had worked to preserve many of the structures in the 19th-century gold mining town. Old lumber and debris from restoration projects had accumulated and the idea was born to create a huge bonfire and invite the community to celebrate Thanksgiving. Funds raised were used by the Gold Hill Historic Preservation Society to further restore and rebuild the town. The event was so successful that the Preservation Society decided to make it an annual event.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, patrons will again gather for a delightful evening of entertainment, refreshments and warm holiday cheer while strolling through Historic Gold Hill and its quaint shoppes. The town will be be decorated in white lights and will be adorned for the holidays. A nostalgic trolley ride will transport visitors from Gold Hill Mines Historic Park to the heart of the bustling 19th-century village where merchants dressed in period costume will greet visitors and share an assortment of delicious hors d’oeuvres and samplings of delectable dishes. Horse-drawn carriage rides will also be available at a nominal fee.

Advance tickets are sold by the Preservation Society and at the shops in the village. Limited tickets will be available for purchase on the evening of the event at the Russell-Rufty Shelter in Gold Hill Mines Historic Park beginning at 5 p.m. Admission is $18. Children age 10 and under are free with paying adult.

Prepaid tickets as well as non-paid tickets on hold will be held at Will-Call for check-in at the Russell-Rufty Shelter in the park located at 735 St. Stephens Church Road.

Proceeds benefit the Gold Hill Historic Preservation Society. More information can be found at www.historicgoldhill.com or 704-267-9439 or 704-526-9649.