County readies for Christmas
Columbia County residents will line the streets soon to welcome Santa Claus, led by a entourage of sparkling floats, youth groups and marching bands playing favorite songs.
Christmas parades in Grovetown will kick off a string of holiday events.
Newly elected District 4 County Commissioner Lee Anderson will lead the Grovetown parade as grand marshal Dec. 6, said parade organizer Laura McManus. Santa will follow the parade through Grovetown in a horse-drawn carriage.
The parade, which has about 80 entries, begins at noon and will run from the Summerfield subdivision down Robinson Avenue to Wrightsboro Road.
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The city plans to light its Christmas tree at the corner of Old Wrightsboro Road and Robinson Avenue at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 with local entertainment.
Debra Grice (left) and her cousin Carissa Grice waved and threw candy from the Harlem Girl Scout Troop 722 float in last year's Grovetown Christmas Parade.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
During the same weekend, Columbia County will hold its holiday ceremonies.
Bill Becton, of the Martinez Merchants Association that sponsors the parade, said he is excited about this year's event, which is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Dec. 7
"We are looking forward to a real good time and to kick off the best season of the year," Becton said.
Becton expects nearly 120 entries in the annual parade, including several high school marching bands, youth groups, performers, Scout troops and, of course, Santa.
"It is just a chance for the Martinez-Evans community to display the teams and events from during the year," Becton said.
The parade route will follow Washington Road from the Columbia Square shopping center to Davant Street.
Harlem will light up its downtown by lighting its Christmas tree at City Hall at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4. The evening will feature the North Harlem Elementary School chorus and part of the Harlem Middle School band, event organizer Kathy Hamm said. Santa will pose for pictures and take Christmas requests at the Laurel and Hardy Museum of Harlem.
The annual Christmas parade, sponsored by the Harlem Lions Club, will move from Harlem Middle School to Milledgeville Road before turning onto Louisville Road aiming through downtown, Hamm said. The deadline for parade entries is Dec. 11, and entry forms can be picked up at City Hall.
For the first time, Harlem merchants will display their wares at Christmas in the Heart of Downtown Harlem from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13, including a pecan recipe contest.
Upcoming Christmas activities:
Harlem Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 4 at 6 p.m.
Where: Harlem City Hall
Grovetown Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
Where: The corner of Old Wrightsboro Road and Robinson Avenue
Grovetown Christmas Parade:
When: Dec. 6, beginning at noon
Where: Summerfield subdivision on Robinson Avenue to Wrightsboro Road
Christmas in America: Columbia County Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Dec. 6 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Columbia County Justice Center and Courthouse Annex
Columbia County Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 7, beginning at 2 p.m.
Where:Washington Road from Columbia Square shopping center to Davant Street
Christmas in Downtown Harlem
When: Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown Harlem on Louisville Street
Harlem Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 13, beginning at 2 p.m.
Where: Harlem Middle School to Milledgeville Road to Louisville Road