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Holiday Events Near Salisbury Worth the Drive in Your Ford

Holiday Events

The holidays bring a special kind of magic to Salisbury and the surrounding North Carolina communities. Twinkling lights, festive performances, local markets, and family activities fill the season with warmth and excitement. Whether you are loading up the family for a short drive or heading out for an evening of holiday lights, having a reliable vehicle makes every outing easier. Many local drivers exploring a Ford Escape for sale or comparing models like the Ford Bronco Salisbury appreciate having comfort and capability ready for every seasonal stop.

The Kannapolis Celebration of Lights

Just a short drive from Salisbury, the Kannapolis Celebration of Lights is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Village Park transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights, a dancing fountain display, and holiday music floating through the air. Families stroll through illuminated walkways, enjoy a ride on the Winterland Express train, and gather around warm treats from local vendors.

With plenty of room for kids, coats, gifts, and snacks, many families consider a Ford Escape for sale when planning festive outings like this. The Escape offers flexibility and comfort, making it easy to enjoy the evening without worrying about space or convenience.

Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway

One of the most impressive holiday experiences in the state is Speedway Christmas, held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The event features millions of lights synchronized to music, all viewed from the comfort of your vehicle as you drive through the track. There is also a Christmas Village filled with movies, food vendors, and seasonal activities.

Drivers who enjoy outdoor adventure and bold design often look to models like the Ford Bronco when planning winter road trips. With its confident handling and roomy cabin, the Bronco adds excitement to every holiday drive, whether you are cruising past light tunnels or navigating the festival grounds.

Old Salem’s Candlelight Tours

For those who enjoy history mixed with holiday charm, a visit to Old Salem in Winston-Salem is perfect for a December outing. Candlelight tours, traditional Moravian music, and warm holiday hospitality make the experience feel like stepping into another time. Guests enjoy baked goods, handmade crafts, and beautifully decorated historic buildings.

If you prefer a vehicle with efficiency and comfort for longer drives, a Ford provides exactly that. Features like smooth ride quality, climate control, and spacious seating make it ideal for a comfortable evening trip.

McAdenville: “Christmas Town USA”

Another beloved North Carolina destination is McAdenville, famously known as Christmas Town USA. Families drive slowly through glowing streets lined with trees and homes decorated from top to bottom. The tradition has become a favorite for many Salisbury residents who make the annual trip to enjoy the lights, music, and nostalgic atmosphere.

Choosing the right vehicle helps make the evening even more enjoyable. Whether you are looking at a Ford Escape for sale for family comfort or a Ford Bronco Salisbury for rugged style, both models offer plenty of room for blankets, shopping bags, and holiday memories.

Enjoy the Roads, Enjoy the Season

Holiday events become cherished traditions, and the journey is often just as special as the destination. With seasonal festivities happening throughout the region, there is no shortage of places to explore, lights to see, and moments to share.

At Cloninger Ford, we love helping families choose the vehicles that make these drives more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you prefer the versatility of the Escape or the bold presence of the Bronco, you can feel confident heading into every holiday adventure.

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A women packing her 2025 Ford Bronco for a camping trip.

4 Standout Features of the 2025 Ford Bronco

With its distinctive style, rugged off-road capabilities, and advanced technology, the 2025 Ford Bronco is a favorite among adventurers, thrill-seekers, and style-conscious drivers. Whether you're cruising city streets or tackling rocky terrain, the Bronco's standout features make every drive more exciting. more 4 Standout Features of the 2025 Ford Bronco Advanced Off-Road Capabilities The Bronco comes standard with 4X4 with part-time engagement, so you get extra traction only when you need it. Its advanced terrain management system with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes let you adapt your drive to various conditions like sand, snow, or mud. It also has the High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system for optimized handling on rough or challenging terrain. The base model is designed for trail running and light off-road use. For more extreme off-roading, opt for a higher trim, such as the Raptor. This rugged trim adds higher ground clearance, increased water fording capability, additional G.O.A.T. modes, full-vehicle bash plates, Trail Control, and an advanced 4X4 system. Bold, Versatile Design The Bronco's boxy silhouette, iconic grille, and round headlights are reminiscent of its heritage. For even more retro flairs, opt for the Heritage Edition. This nostalgic trim feature white accents, including the roof and tires, along with unique plaid seats. You can choose a two- or four-door Bronco, and it's available with either a hard or soft top. Higher trims offer a dual-top option. Both the doors and roof are removable, allowing you to enjoy open-air freedom when adventure calls. It comes with tow hooks, LED headlights, heated side mirror, and a manual swing-gate. Spacious and Comfortable Interior Inside, the Bronco is spacious, functional, and built for adventure. It sits five on its durable, easy-to-clean cloth seats. Some higher trims have marine-grade vinyl seats for added convenience. There are smart storage solutions throughout the vehicle, including the MOLLE panels on the backs of the front seats. An available cargo net, cargo box, and safe deposit box provide additional options. There's a spacious cargo area behind the second row. When you need additional cargo space, you can fold down the rear seats for a maximum cargo capacity of 77.6 cubic feet. Modern Technology and Safety Whether you're running errands or running the trails, it's crucial that you're connected, and Bronco’s SYNC 4 infotainment system makes that easy. It features a 12-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, and wireless smartphone integration. It has Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a seven-speaker audio system. It comes with multiple USB ports and 12V power outlets to help keep your devices ready to go. The Bronco comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features including pre-collision assist, post-collision braking, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitor. Are the Bronco's off-road capabilities, rugged style, and advanced technology exactly what you're looking for in an SUV? Stop by Cloninger Ford of Salisbury in Salisbury, NC, and we'll help you find your ideal adventure companion.

2025 Ford Maverick

How Ford Pro Power Onboard Changes What You Can Do with a Truck

Most trucks have always had a single outlet tucked somewhere in the cab, good for charging a phone or running a small light. Ford Pro Power Onboard is something entirely different. Built directly into the F-150's architecture, it turns your truck into a functioning mobile generator capable of powering tools, appliances, and job site equipment from the bed or cab without a separate generator in tow. For drivers in Rowan County who work on job sites, head outdoors on weekends, or want a truck that does more than haul, this feature changes the equation. more Three Output Levels for Three Different Needs Ford Pro Power Onboard comes in three configurations, and the right one depends on what you actually need to run. The 2.0 kW system is available on gas-engine F-150 models equipped with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, or the 5.0L V8. It delivers power through two 120V/20A outlets in the truck bed, enough to run a reciprocating saw, hammer drill, jigsaw, or sander, and the truck's cabin outlets provide 400 watts for smaller devices on the instrument panel and center console regardless of which tier you choose. The 2.4 kW system is standard on F-150s equipped with the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 and adds the capacity to run a microwave alongside the tools the 2.0 kW handles. What makes this tier stand out is runtime: at its maximum load, the 2.4 kW system runs for up to 85 hours on a full tank of gas, making it a serious asset for extended remote work or multi-day camp trips. The 7.2 kW system is the top tier, available as an option on PowerBoost Hybrid models and the F-150 Platinum Plus. It delivers 7,200 watts through four 120V/20A outlets and one 240V/30A outlet. For reference, a typical portable generator produces around 3,500-4,000 watts. The 7.2 kW system can simultaneously power a plasma cutter, TIG welder, chop saw, air compressor, angle grinder, and work light, and it does so for up to 32 hours at maximum load on a full tank of gas. That is a full working day and then some, without refueling or swapping equipment. What Does This Mean in Practice? Is this feature practical only for contractors? Not at all. The Ford truck power outlet system covers a wide range of situations. On a job site without utility power run yet, a single F-150 with the 7.2 kW system can power an entire framing crew's tool setup. At a campsite, it runs lights, a portable heater, a cooler, and speakers from the same truck that hauled the trailer there. During a tailgate, it powers a television, a blender, and sound equipment. Ford also designed the system to operate while the truck is moving, so devices can charge or run on the way to the job site or trail. The truck can be locked while idling in generator mode, providing overnight security when the system is running unattended. Monitoring is handled through the 12-inch center touchscreen or the FordPass app, both of which display real-time wattage draw and alert you if total load approaches the system's limit. The Ford truck power outlet system manages load automatically, and if a circuit is tripped, it can be reset directly from the truck bed's outlet panel on the 7.2 kW system. Find the Right F-150 Configuration in Salisbury Choosing between the three output tiers comes down to how you use your truck day to day. Drivers in Salisbury, Kannapolis, and Lexington who need basic job site capability or a weekend power source will likely find the 2.0 kW system sufficient. Those running a crew or working in remote locations will benefit from the PowerBoost Hybrid and its 2.4 kW or 7.2 kW output. The team at Cloninger Ford on Jake Alexander Boulevard can walk you through which F-150 configurations include Ford Pro Power Onboard and help you match the right output level to the work you do. It is one of the most practical capabilities on any truck in the segment, and Cloninger Ford has the inventory to put you in the right one. Frequently Asked Questions About Ford Pro Power Onboard What are the output levels for Ford Pro Power Onboard on the F-150? The F-150 offers 2.0 kW, 2.4 kW, and 7.2 kW configurations. The 2.0 kW is available on select gas engines, the 2.4 kW is standard on the PowerBoost Hybrid, and the 7.2 kW is optional on PowerBoost models and standard on the Platinum Plus. How long can the Ford Pro Power Onboard system run on a full tank? At maximum load, the 2.4 kW system runs up to 85 hours and the 7.2 kW system runs up to 32 hours on a full tank of gas. At lighter loads, runtime extends further. What does the Ford truck power outlet system actually power? Depending on the tier, the Ford truck power outlet can run circular saws, drills, compressors, microwaves, welders, televisions, and camping appliances. The 7.2 kW system can run a plasma cutter, TIG welder, chop saw, and air compressor simultaneously. Can I use Ford Pro Power Onboard while driving? Yes. The system operates while the truck is in motion, allowing tools and devices to charge or run on the way to a job site or campground.

2023 F-150 Raptor

Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500: Which Full-Size Truck To Choose?

Shopping for a full-size pickup truck means choosing between trucks that have earned loyal followings for very different reasons. The Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 debate is one of the most common conversations in the segment, and both trucks make a compelling case. For drivers in the Salisbury area weighing their options, here is a straightforward look at how the two stack up, and where the 2026 F-150 pulls ahead. more Towing and Payload: Where the Numbers Matter For the best full size truck in terms of raw capability, the 2026 F-150 sets the benchmark. With the available 3.5L EcoBoost V6, it reaches a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds when properly equipped and a best-in-class maximum payload of 2,440 pounds. The 2026 RAM 1500 tops out at 11,610 pounds of towing with its 3.0L Hurricane inline-six and 2,360 pounds of payload. Both are capable trucks for everyday hauling, but if you regularly tow boats, enclosed trailers, or heavy equipment near Salisbury, the F-150's ceiling is meaningfully higher. That advantage matters when you're towing at or near the limit, which is exactly when capacity differences show up. Engine Options: Five vs. Four Can a truck offer both power and efficiency without sacrifice? The F-150's five-engine lineup makes a strong case. The entry 2.7L EcoBoost V6 delivers 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque while returning up to 20 city/24 highway MPG. The 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 produces 420 horsepower and 578 lb-ft of torque, achieves up to 18 city/24 highway MPG, and unlocks Pro Power Onboard, turning the truck into a mobile generator capable of up to 7.2 kilowatts of exportable power. The RAM 1500 counters with four engine options including the returning 5.7L HEMI V8 at 395 horsepower and the high-output Hurricane inline-six at 540 horsepower, which is impressive. The RAM does not, however, offer a full hybrid or electric model that pairs that kind of power with meaningful fuel savings. Technology and Driver Assistance What separates the F-150 from the RAM 1500 in the cab? The 2026 F-150 now brings BlueCruise hands-free highway driving to more trim levels than ever, including select XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum models. BlueCruise allows the F-150 to steer, accelerate, and brake hands-free on over 130,000 miles of pre-qualified divided highways across North America, using a driver-facing camera to confirm attention. The RAM 1500's Active Driving Assist is a capable lane-centering and adaptive cruise system, but it requires the driver's hands on the wheel at all times and does not offer hands-free highway operation. For Rowan County drivers who spend time on the highway during long hauls, that distinction translates to real comfort on longer drives. The F-150 also offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which lets you steer a trailer in reverse using a simple knob rather than manual judgment. The Bottom Line for Salisbury Drivers The RAM 1500 is a genuinely strong truck with a refined ride, a loyal following, and the return of the HEMI V8 for 2026. But when it comes to the Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 matchup on the metrics that define the best full size truck, the F-150 leads in maximum towing, maximum payload, engine variety, hybrid capability, and hands-free driving technology. Kelley Blue Book named the F-150 its Best Buy in the Full-Size Trucks category for 2026, and it has been America's best-selling truck for good reason. The team at Cloninger Ford in Salisbury is ready to walk you through the full lineup and help you find the F-150 configuration that fits the way you work and drive. Frequently Asked Questions About Ford F-150 vs Ram 1500 What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ford F-150? When properly equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, the 2026 F-150 tows up to 13,500 pounds, compared to the 2026 RAM 1500's maximum of 11,610 pounds with the Hurricane inline-six. Does the 2026 F-150 have better technology than the RAM 1500? The F-150 offers available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, which the RAM 1500 does not. The F-150 also includes available Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Pro Power Onboard as part of its broader technology advantage. Is the Ford F-150 the best full size truck for hauling? With a best-in-class maximum payload of 2,440 pounds, the 2026 F-150 leads the half-ton segment in hauling capacity, making it a strong choice for contractors and work-focused buyers. Where can I find a Ford F-150 near Salisbury, NC? Cloninger Ford on Jake Alexander Boulevard in Salisbury carries the full 2026 F-150 lineup and serves drivers throughout Salisbury, Kannapolis, Lexington, and Mooresville.