World of Energy prepares for Holiday Events

The World of Energy education center at Duke Energy’s Oconee Nuclear Station announces dates for its fifth annual Festival of Trees event, along with several free holiday activities scheduled throughout the season. The Festival of Trees is a free holiday tree display open to the public for viewing 9am to 5pm, Nov. 30, through Dec. 29. Nearly 30 trees will be decorated by local organizations and businesses. Visitors are asked to vote on their favorite tree; the top three winning organizations receive a $1,000, $750 and $500 grant from Duke Energy to donate to their registered charity of choice. Anyone interested in reserving a tree for an organization can email [email protected]. Trees are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, free of charge. Limited space is available. The World of Energy will host its free Holiday Gathering event to kick off the season from 11am to 2pm, Saturday, Nov. 25. Several local artists and crafters will demonstrate their skills during the gathering, including Asheville woodcutter Alicia Williams, of Heartwood Rocking Horses. Williams will have her handmade rocking horses on display as she demonstrates her unique ability in the World of Energy lobby. Rocking horses are made from reclaimed and recycled lumber, or sustainably harvested local hardwoods. Other artisans organizations include Hawk’s Handcrafted Bowls, Wolf Mountain Farm handmade soaps, The Pendleton Cottage, Gourd Art by Pat McKee, Basket Kase handcrafted baskets, Quilting and Woodturning by Lucille and Kevin McLaughlin, Miss Lillian’s Louisiana Pies and Spices, Dynamite Kettle Corn and more. Santa Claus will visit the World of Energy during its Holiday Gathering event from 11am to 2pm, Saturday, Nov. 25, for photographs with children. Parents are welcome to take photos with their camera or phone. No reservations are required for this free event. Join Duke Energy’s World of Energy for its free Festival of Trees lighting ceremony at 5pm, Thursday, Nov. 30. To kick off the Festival of Trees display, each organization is represented as trees begin to light up the World of Energy lobby. Professional harpist Lisa Handman, of Atlanta, will entertain guests for the evening. Light refreshments will be available. Duke Energy’s World of Energy will host its final free Super Tuesday event of 2017 at 10am, Tuesday, Dec. 12. For the season program finale, Greenville’s Vocal Matrix women’s chorus will perform live in the World of Energy auditorium. This talented group of singers will feature Christmas classics during the event. Light refreshments will be provided after the show. For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com/WorldOfEnergy.