Rain didn’t lessen the enthusiasm of the large crowd that attended Saturday’s Christmas Festival in Georgetown. While dampness hovered all around Georgetown County, the parade and the events held throughout the day helped bring people in the Christmas spirit to downtown Georgetown. The day began with a street parade, featuring Grand Marshal Nell Cribb, known locally as the Coca-Cola lady. The parade down Front Street also included high-school bands, businesses, church groups and many other organizations. Clowns wizzed around Front Street and Santa and Mrs. Claus also made an appearance during the day. The parade was delayed a short while, but parade enthusiasts said they stayed put until the moisture passed. “The Andrews band was jammin’,” said Colton Holliday, who shopped with his father along Front Street. “We bought a book, cotton candy and ice cream.’’ Colton and his father, Chris Holliday, said they took in the sights of the Christmas parade, then returned for the evening’s boat parade. “We’re going to come back and see those boats,’’ Chris said.
Free food, drink
Refreshments and free samples of food were also distributed in the afternoon. Tours were given of the Kaminski House and the Stewart-Parker House. Area restaurants set up tables and gave a taste of what they had to offer inside. Local choral and dance groups performed, including the Georgetown High Chorus, the Grace Church bell choir and students from the Studio of Dance. At the Georgetown Art Gallery, a refreshment table was set up to greet customers as they entered the cooperative business. “It’s been steady,’’ said Gail Joley, who served refreshments in the afternoon. “I think this was a good way to kick off Christmas shopping.’’
Boat parade
The boat parade got underway after dark, and was visible along the Harborwalk in Georgetown. Despite frosty temperatures, a crowd awaited the lighted vessels that cruised by.
Christmas carols could be heard coming from the boats as they passed the town clock and traveled the Sampit River. Gloria Zander attended the boat parade with her family, Carsyn McMackin, Brenda Pope, John Zander and her mother, Juanita Dunnaway. Gloria, who grew up in Georgetown, said she was visiting from Florida. “We were up here already,’’ she said. “We came [downtown] for the food tasting. Mama just loved it.’’ The group watched the boat parade, which included vessels from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies. Calls of, “Merry Christmas,’’ were shouted from the Haborwalk as the boats passed by.
By Kelly M. Fuller
Kfuller@gtowntimes.com
Highlights:
A good time was had by all. Merry Christmas!
Posted by Canta Slaus
on 12/7/2009
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The new Carroll Campbell Marine Complex in Maryville will officially be open to the public Monday. County leaders have said it will attract businesses to the area. Do you think the city will experience an economic boost from the new boat landing?
