Bedford County Bicentennial Organizing Committee held its last working meeting this morning, to make final preparations for the "Celebration of Christmas Past" Dec. 1 on the square and for the official bicentennial observance Dec. 3 at the Blue Ribbon Circle.

Organizers said they've been delighted with the year's activities and are proud that the committee will end the year with its activities and merchandise paid for.

The "Celebration of Christmas Past" will take place 3-5 p.m. on Dec. 1 and will include merchant open houses, an appearance by Santa, and the lighting of the official county Christmas tree on the east side of the courthouse lawn. A permanent tree has been donated and will be planted in time for the event.

Complimentary chili and hot cocoa will be available, and booklets of Christmas carols are being purchased by the bicentennial committee for distribution at the event.

The "Festival of Trees" will be open at The Fly Arts Center just off the square between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m., and the dinner theatre production of "Exit The Body" will take place that night at The Fly.

The event on Dec. 3 will mark the actual date of the county's charter in 1807. Marilyn Massengale has organized a choir performance to mark the event, and heavy hors d'oeuvre will be served.

The Dec. 3 event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested by calling 703-2292.

Official bicentennial merchandise, including coins, medallions, keychains, T-shirts and the bicentennial history book by Tim and Helen Marsh and Garland King, will be available at special discount prices during both the Dec. 1 and Dec. 3 events.