No, but the gradual conversion of the former Palace of China on Statesville Road in Huntersville into a Taco Bell has temporarily taken on the appearance of a Frankenstein-like experiment as new exterior design elements take their place among those of the previous occupant. Pieces of the words "restaurant and lounge" remain among the newly installed signature Taco Bell entryway.

Dozens of patrons line up outside the door of Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen in Huntersville last Friday for the kitchen's annual Christmas party.

A record crowd of some 800 turned out to select from among 3,000 toys, books, dolls, stuffed animals and bikes donated for the party. The turnout was so large that attendees were brought into the 85-seat facility in groups.

As it is every year, downtown Davidson was the starting point for the annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade held last Saturday. The parade, which coincides with Christmas in Davidson, marches south along NC 115 and into downtown Cornelius concluding at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.  Hundreds of spectators line the parade route, which included all the usual Christmas parade accoutrements, including marching bands, dignitaries in convertibles, floats, acrobats and, apparently, a dump truck.