Hundreds of Columbia Countians turned out to the Evans Towne Center Park on Nov. 30 to watch the county’s giant 50 ft. Christmas tree’s LED lights come to life. After a brief technical delay, the lights came on to the roar of the crowd.
The tree lighting ceremony was moved to Thursday due to inclement weather forecast for the weekend. Because of the sudden change of date, the planned fireworks display was cancelled, but the crowd didn’t seem to care as everyone seemed to be in the Christmas spirit.
The only other thing missing was Aunt Bethany reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Columbia County officials say that annual Christmas parade, which is scheduled for Sunday Dec. at 3 p.m., is still a tentative go; however, a final determination will be made Sunday morning depending on the weather.
Attendees of the Columbia County Christmas tree lighting could take photos in a giant ornament. Staff photo by Stephanie HillThe Grinch made an appearance at the 2023 Columbia County Christmas tree lighting. Staff photo by Stephanie HillSanta greets the crowd during the 2023 Columbia County Christmas tree lighting. Staff photo by Stephanie Hill The event, which is staged by the Columbia County Parks, Recreation and Events Department, also included a mall of tents with vendors selling scented candles and other holiday crafts. Staff photo.The entire Towne Center Park is decorated with Christmas lights in all of the trees and light displays throughout. Staff photo.Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang are represented in front of a live tree decorated with festive lights. Staff photoIt appears that Santa is relaxing on the lake before the big night gets here!. Staff photo.The air was crisp with a temperature in the mid-40s, not exactly North Pole weather, but perfect for cozying up to a cup of hot chocolate.. Staff photo.The popular ice-skating attraction is back this year and a long line of people queued up rent skates and take to the ice. Staff photoThe 2023 Columbia County Christmas tree lighting took place at Evans Towne Center Park on Thursday, Nov. 30. Staff photo by Stephanie Hill
Scott Hudson is an award winning investigative journalist from Augusta, GA who reported daily for WGAC AM/FM radio as well as maintaining a monthly column for the Buzz On Biz newspaper. Scott co-edited the award winning book "Augusta's WGAC: The Voice Of The Garden City For Seventy Years" and authored the book "The Contract On The Government."
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