North Carolina Governor-elect Pat McCrory will be the keynote speaker at the 20th Annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 at Grove Park Inn in Asheville. The event will be Governor-elect McCroy's first public appearance in Western North Carolina since sweeping the North Carolina Governor's race on Nov. 6.

This marks the 20th year for the popular holiday gathering, which is one of the largest sit-down political dinners in the state. Governor -elect McCroy will be joined by US 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry, US 11th District Congressman-elect Mark Meadows and many other statewide and local elected officials.

Taylor says the annual dinner is an opportunity for Governor-elect McCroy to say thank you to his many supporters in Western North Carolina and to begin the transition on issues facing the western part of the state.

Taylor further stated that the event is an opportunity for Republicans across North Carolina to celebrate their successes in the 2012 election. Former US Rep. Taylor represented Western North Carolina residents in the 11th Congressional District from 1991-2007.

Tickets for the 20th annual Charles Taylor Holiday Dinner are $50 per person. Reservations must be made prior to the dinner. There will be assigned seating.

The doors to the Grand Ballroom will open at 6:15 pm. Please check the program to find your table.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact Trish Smothers at 828-243-2187 or tasmothers@yahoo.com. PREPAYMENT IS REQUIRED. PAYMENT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR. Please make check to: Charles Taylor Christmas Dinner and Mail to:
Charles Taylor
PO Box 66
Brevard, NC 28712

A shuttle will begin at 5:00 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Asheville on Charlotte Street. Inasmuch as the Grove Park Inn now charges 10 dollars a car to park, use of the shuttle would likely be a good idea.

County chairs, elected officials and candidates for the 2012 election should be in the Coolidge Suite by 6:30 p.m. if they wish to be introduced.