'Long John Carolers' mob Boone
by Kellen Moore
The unconventional singing troupe dubbed the “Long John Carolers” reconvened Saturday in Boone for their 40th year of Christmas caroling.
The tradition started in 1973 as friends Toby Atwood and
Terry Carroll, residents of Boone attending N.C. State University, decided to
jump into their skivvies and entertain the campus as a way to blow off steam
after final exams.
The tradition stuck, and now multiple generations of family and friends participate in the annual voyage to grocery stores, malls, nursing homes and private homes to bring good tidings to residents.
The event is always B.Y.O.L.J. — bring-your-own-long-johns — and the carolers have adapted several song lyrics to suit their colorful attire.
Instead of, “walking in a winter wonderland,” the carolers sing, “walking in our winter underwear.”
“We usually hurt from laughing so hard by the end of the night,” Carroll said.
Additional Images
); "Members of the “Long John Carolers” surprise the employees and customers at Lowes Foods on Saturday. Kellen Moore | Watauga Democrat.")
); "A shopper exits Lowes Foods on Saturday a little mystified but appreciative of the Long John Carolers' efforts. Kellen Moore | Watauga Democrat.")
); "Founding Long John Carolers Toby Atwood, left, and Terry Carroll, have performed their curious tradition in an array of locations over the years, including Raleigh, Boone and Fort Mill, S.C.")
); "The carolers parade down the halls of Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living on Saturday, drawing many residents from their rooms to examine the long-john display. Kellen Moore | Watauga Democrat.")
); "The Long John Carolers are a multi-talented group, often incorporating the can-can into their repertoire. Kellen Moore | Watauga Democrat.")