GEORGETOWN — Front Street will shine even brighter this holiday season.
Seeing the popularity of Conway’s Halloween makeovers, Georgetown officials have begun efforts to make the city a Christmas destination.
“We’ve expanded our lighting exponentially,” said Georgetown Main Street Director Al Joseph. “Three years ago, we lit 11 trees, but this year we have 124.”
Thanks to additional funding from the city, Joseph was able to do even more to boost the city’s holiday spirit. There are currently 142 telephone poles wrapped in decorative garlands.
Georgetown is decorated for the 2024 holiday season.
“We added an entire business district, all the street trees, and two parks where we set the trees on fire,” he said. “There will be more lights, more trees, and more Christmas.”
Georgetown resident Robbie Buys built a large wooden sleigh and reindeer set that helped take the city’s Christmas decorations to the next level. The sled is 8 feet long, and there are two 9-foot reindeer at Joseph Rainey Park.
Visitors can sit on the sled and take photos with their families.
“It’s just something that brings some holiday spirit to a town that really needs it,” Buis said, taking a break from painting reindeer and sleighs.
Georgetown has been reeling since Oct. 31, when International Paper announced it would close its 87-year-old mill and cut nearly 700 jobs in the process.
As the shutdown loomed, the county hosted job fairs and Front Street businesses began toy sales.
Aside from efforts to support factory workers, the town plans to hold a number of festive events throughout the Christmas season, including a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6 and a Christmas parade the next day.
Many events at restaurants and shops will be held during December.
Ginger Gray, owner of Doodlebugs Children’s Finery and Gifts, said she has been in business on Front Street for 22 years and has seen how much visitors and residents love the lights.
“I feel like I’m getting a taste of Christmas back home,” Gray said. “Last year it was just on this block, maybe two blocks. It’s really nice to be able to expand to Front Street.”
Joseph is already making plans for next year. He would like to be able to install lighting on the Harbor Walk behind all the buildings.
“We want to create a tunnel of light there,” he said, adding that he hopes to have electrical work done and more outlets installed before Christmas 2025 approaches.
Joseph also has plans to decorate Constitution Park, which is currently under construction as part of the city’s recent stormwater project.
“That park should be redesigned by next Christmas,” he said.
Marley Morris, owner of Kashlin’s Boutique, said the new decor will encourage more people to shop local.
“As a small-town business owner, celebrating the holidays plays a big role in attracting customers,” Morris said. “Christmas decorations around Georgetown welcome everyone who visits the town with a warm Christmas atmosphere. We are very proud of our southern Christmas town and hope people continue to shop small this season. I hope it continues.”
