Looking Ahead

Folly's Sunday in the Park

The last Sunday in the Park this year will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Folly River Park at Folly Beach.

Sponsored by Folly River Parks and Recreation Board, the event will offer live music by Plainfield Project, Jeff Houts and Goodwater, plus free face painting and fun for the family.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, a picnic and drinks.

Holiday film at James Is. Library

The James Island Library, 1248 Camp Road, will show a children's movie, "Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving" at 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Nov. 20.

The library invites families to celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Rabbit in songs and Disney adventure. Rated G.

For more information, call 795-6679.

Festival of Lights set to open Friday

The 19th annual Holiday Festival of Lights, with 600 displays, more than 2 million lights and a three-mile driving tour, opens on Friday at James Island County Park.

The show, sponsored by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission, runs through Jan. 4. A Lowcountry tradition, this year's show will offer marshmallow roasts, festival train rides, an enchanted forest walking trail, sugary structures entered in the gingerbread house competition, a 50-ton hand-crafted sand sculpture, giant holiday greeting cards, carousel rides, gift shops, a portable climbing wall, interactive lakeside lights, Santa's Village, Santa's Sweet Shoppe and photos with Santa.

The gift shops, Santa's Attic and Incredible Gift Shoppe will offer hand-crafted goodies from local artisans, official 24-karat gold collector series ornaments, toy trains, dolls, angelic decorations, and many more stocking stuffers.

Santa's Sweet Shoppe will serve specialty coffees, cappuccinos, and fresh baked temptations of fudge and Christmas cookies.

A traditional 18-animal carousel ride will be located at Winter Wonderland. The 4-by-8-foot holiday card designs were created by local school students as part of a holiday art competition.

The opening night celebration will include a tree lighting ceremony, announcements of the postcard and gingerbread competition winners and performances by Lowcountry Power Brass and Charleston Dance Center.

The activities are free with regular admission.

Festival hours are 5:30-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5:30-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays. Fees are $10 per vehicle for up to 15 guests, $25 per vehicle for 16-30 guests and $100 per vehicle for 31 or more guests.

A $2 discount per vehicle is available Mondays through Wednesdays with the donation of a canned food item.

Donations benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank.

For more information, call 795-4386 or visit www.holidayfestivaloflights.com.