Festival of Lights Shines Bright, Strengthens Support for The Family Place
The Third Annual Festival of Lights brought joy, connection, and meaningful holiday memories to families across Transylvania County—while raising critical funds to support The Family Place. More than 1,600 neighbors and visitors joined the four-night celebration at Deerwoode Reserve from December 18–22, 2025.
Designed as an affordable, inclusive holiday tradition, the Festival of Lights offered guests magical evenings filled with twinkling lights, festive hayrides, photos with Santa, warm snacks, creative crafts, live music, and more—all for just $5 admission, with children five and under admitted free. Beloved characters, including Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, and a cheerful group of llamas, added to the holiday fun.
Thank you from The Family Place Board of Directors (pictured left to right): Tony Gillman, Jenny Johnston, Becka Whitehouse, Dionne Hodgson, Carrie Clarey & Mike Clarey
For many families, the Festival of Lights has become an important tradition. One local parent shared, “This was the first holiday event we were able to attend as a family in a long time. Seeing our kids light up, ride the hay wagon, and just be together—it reminded us how much these moments matter.”
The event’s success reflects a powerful community-wide effort. Local businesses, schools, churches, rotary clubs, and civic groups contributed through sponsorships, raffle donations, in-kind gifts, volunteer hours, decorating support, advertising, and musical performances. Deerwoode Reserve generously donated use of the property, and staff volunteered their time to transform the grounds into a winter wonderland.
Deerwoode owner and The Family Place Board Chair Dionne Hodgson emphasized the event’s impact: “The Festival of Lights reflects what I believe deeply—that families thrive when they feel supported and connected. Hosting this event is about creating space for families to come together, make memories, and know their community cares. That’s why supporting The Family Place matters so much to me.”
In total, 73 volunteers contributed more than 1,000 hours to create a festive, welcoming experience, ensuring all families—regardless of income—could participate in the holiday celebration.
The Family Place extends heartfelt appreciation to all Event Sponsors, including presenting even sponsor Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority, as well as Theophilus, Mountain Decks and Exteriors, Primerica, White Squirrel Realty, Carolina Dance Collective, McKeller Law, Merideth Baldridge State Farm Insurance, Fowler Excavating, Hunter Subaru Gala Rice, Brevard Academy, United Community Bank, Highstreet Insurance, Merrill Drilling and Water Systems, CAM Contracting Group, Micky and Tony Gillman, Brevard Insurance, Territory Wine Market, Blue Ridge Heating and Air, Pisgah Pest Control, A-American Electric, Davidson River Outfitters, and PurplePlace.
This year’s theme—Classic Holiday Films—was brought to life through 11 creatively decorated cabins. Participating cabin sponsors included Brevard Academy (first-place winner), Keystone Camp, Young Life Carolina Point, Realtor Jeremy Purcell with BHS Drafting & Design students, Grace Church Brevard, David Wright Events, The Family Place Board of Directors, Suncado’s, Cedar Mountain Rotary, TFP Parent Chat, and Mountain Decks and Exteriors. Guests enjoyed hayrides through the beautifully lit property while voting for their favorite cabin design.
Special recognition is also extended to in-kind sponsors who helped make the event memorable, including Ace Hardware (hay), Lamar Advertising (billboard), Sundaze Gardens (Christmas trees), and Floressence Flowers (photo installation). Musical performances were generously provided by Kristen Toole, Haden Rhea & Owen Grooms, Transylvania County JAM Students, Carolina Flat Tops, BHS Windwood Ensemble, and Grace Church Brevard.
All proceeds from the Festival of Lights—totaling $12,811—directly support The Family Place’s free programs for families in Transylvania County.
“The Festival of Lights is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together for families,” said Erin Drew, Executive Director of The Family Place. “Because of this generosity, we can continue to be a welcoming place where parents find encouragement, children learn and grow, and families know they belong. Every dollar raised helps ensure support and connection remain accessible to everyone.”
The Family Place is a local family resource center serving families in Brevard and Rosman. The organization provides parenting support, childhood development , opportunities for families to connect in a welcoming, supportive environment. To learn more or get involved, visit thefamilyplacenc.com.
