Holiday may get brighter

With Christmas nine months away, Columbia County commissioners recently explored adding a rather large and shiny symbol of yuletide spirit as a holiday attraction.

//

During a March Community and Emergency Services Committee meeting, county officials viewed a presentation on a $140,000, high-tech Christmas tree from Florida-based The Lighting and Landscape Co.

"This is a thought, an idea, to bring the community together during that time of year," Commissioner Lee Anderson said.

Christmas trees manufactured by The Lighting and Landscape Co. range in height from 36 to 50 feet and weigh as much as five tons, according to owners Bob and Marcus Craig.

Positioned on a weatherized metal frame, the trees use tens of thousands of light emitting diodes that flash to the beat of Christmas carols. Possible locations for such a tree include the Memorial Garden behind the Columbia County Library and the proposed Evans Town Center Park.

The price tag for the tree includes a five-year warranty and installation training for county employees.

Anderson said taxpayer dollars would not be used to purchase the tree. Instead, he wants to solicit public and business donations to cover the cost.

Commissioner Tom Mercer pledged $1,000 to purchase the tree during the meeting.