UC Horizon: Thanksgiving Closures | National Adoption Month | Christmas Parade

Union County Horizon

Nov. 22, 2024

Community News

County Offices Closed for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving

Most Union County Government offices and facilities will be closed Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Click here to read which facilities will be open.

There will not be a Union County Horizon e-newsletter next week. The next issue of the Horizon will be emailed on Dec. 6. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Union County Ice Skating Rink ❄️

Ice Skates

Union County's new ice skating rink opens Monday, Nov. 25, at 1:30 p.m. for the winter season! Operating daily through Jan. 20, 2025, this is your chance to experience the magic of ice skating right here in our community. Each ticket includes skate rentals and an hour of ice time. Check out hours, pricing and details.

Honoring Love and Commitment: National Adoption Month

Bringing a family together.

November is National Adoption Month, a time to give thanks for the families who open their hearts and homes to children in need. Since last November, Union County Social Services has facilitated 21 adoptions, helping children find love and stability in their forever homes.

On Nov. 8, Social Services hosted a heartfelt celebration to honor foster and adoptive families. Read the full story.


Interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent?

Learn how you can provide love and hope to children in need by completing an online inquiry form.

Volunteer and Support the Union County 4-H Exceptional Children’s Party!

Union County 4-H’s Exceptional Children’s Party is coming up, and we invite you to make a difference by volunteering or donating! There are multiple dates and ways to get involved, from packing bags and helping with activities to serving as a buddy to the kids.

Register online or if you have questions, contact Crystal Starkes or call 704.283.3735.

Community Events

Touch-A-Truck with Santa & Tree Lighting in Waxhaw

Kick off the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 23, in Waxhaw with Touch-A-Truck, a visit from Santa, and the Tree Lighting at Downtown Park. Sensory Hour runs from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the Tree Lighting begins at 6 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate, sweet treats and festive fun for the whole family! For event and parking details, visit Waxhaw's event page.

71st Annual Union County Christmas Parade

Alliance for Children will host the 71st annual Union County Christmas Parade on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. in downtown Monroe. Visit local shops and restaurants while enjoying the sights and sounds of this annual tradition.

Historic Courthouse

In advance of the parade every year, Union County's Facilities department proudly decorates the historic courthouse for the holiday season. Stop by this local landmark during the Christmas parade.

Council with Kids for Marvin Youth

Sorry folks, this one is just for the kids! "Council with Kids,” put on by the Village of Marvin, will take place Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m., at Marvin Village Hall. Participants can enjoy some snacks and learn about their town and local government from elected officials. 

Healthy Living

thanksgiving food

Know Before You Go

Safely Prepare Food This Holiday Season

Keep your Thanksgiving celebration safe and healthy by practicing food safety from start to finish. Here are a few important tips:

  • At the grocery store, pick up your turkey and perishables last to keep them cold longer.
  • When preparing turkey, keep it and its juices separate from ready-to-eat foods, and thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Ensure foods are cooked to proper temperatures; turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Keep hot foods at 140°F or higher using warming trays, chafing dishes, or slow cookers, and keep cold foods below 40°F to prevent harmful bacteria.
  • Discard foods left out at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria can reach dangerous levels.

Learn more food safety tips for the holidays here: U.S. Department of Agriculture: Keep Food Safety in Mind This Thanksgiving.

World Aids Day

On Dec. 1, World AIDS Day stands as a global symbol of unity in support of those impacted by HIV. Despite significant progress, HIV continues to pose public health challenges. This day serves as a tribute to the more than 32 million lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses worldwide. Find services for testing, treatment and more.