ROCK HILL — Voting for your favorite Vernon Grant picture of Santa begins Thursday at the Center for the Arts in downtown Rock Hill.

Grant’s artwork appears on the official Rock Hill ChristmasVille greeting card and gift ornament. He was a renowned commercial artist whose illustrations have been a treasured part of America’s Christmas celebrations for over 75 years.

He is best known as the creator of the Kellogg’s Rice Krispies characters Snap!, Crackle! and Pop! His work has been featured on national magazine covers and advertisements.

Grant, who lived in Rock Hill after retiring, died in 1990. The Museum of York County has a gallery of Grant’s work named in his honor.

People can vote on their favorite depiction of Santa from Grant’s portfolio at the Center for the Arts at 121 East Main St. through the end of December.

There will also be a free, public exhibit at the arts center on Nov. 29 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., during Rock Hill’s annual ChristmasVille festival kick off.

The ChristmasVille parade is Nov. 30 along Oakland Avenue, White Street and Main Street starting at 6:30.

Just before the parade, Winthrop University will light its tree in front of Tillman Hall at 6 p.m. The Winthrop tree lighting has been a Christmas tradition since 1969.

Members of the university alumni council host the tree lighting ceremony and provide entertainment and refreshments for the community.

More a full listing of ChristmasVille events, visit www.christmasvillerockhill.com or call 329-8756 for more information.

Anna Douglas 803-329-4068