By David Meade
The Holiday Season is here and annual events and new events will abound for those looking for something special to do.
In addition to area parades, there is a Reindeer Run, Charles Dickens dinner and theater, Mill Town Players presentation of “A Christmas Carol” and more.
Opening night ceremony for lighting of the Christmas Park and Deck the Halls will be held this Saturday, November 29 at 5:50 p.m. in Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park.
Williamston Mayor Mack Durham, Pastor Jon Feusse of Midway Bible Church in Pelzer will participate.
Santa will arrive around on Williamston Historic 1936 Fire Truck at 6 p.m.
The West Pelzer and Pelzer Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 3 pm.
Judges table will be located in front of West Pelzer Baptist Church. Entry forms are available at West Pelzer Town Hall. Deadline for registering is December 5 at 12 pm.
The Williamston Cemetery Committee will observe its annual Memorial Candlelight Service at the Williamston Cemetery on Thursday, December 11 at 6 pm.
On Friday, Dec. 12, the Palmetto Area Cultural Arts Center brings a Victorian Christmas to the Artory with a dinner and theater event. David Burke will portray Charles Dickens in an original one man show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30, $50 for couples and a table of eight is available for $200. Tickets can be purchased at Town Hall, The Journal and ERS Radio Shack in Williamston.
The Mill Town Players will present “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 12-14 and Dec. 18-21 at the Pelzer Auditorium. Tickets are $10. Call 864.947.8000 for tickets or information.
Saturday, December 13 will be a busy day in the area with four fun events planned.
The Palmetto High Mustang Soccer Teams will hold a 5K Reindeer Run beginning at 8 am.
Participants in the Costume Contest can dress as their favorite Christmas character or show their best Reindeer outfit. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes!
The course begins and ends above the new Palmetto High School track located at 804 North Hamilton Street in Williamston.
For Information Contact: Joanna Watkins 864-847-7311, watkinsj@anderson1.k12.sc.us or Justin Wingard 864-847-7311, Wingardj@anderson1.k12.sc.us
Next will be The Piedmont Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Bonnes Amies Club, at 11 a.m. Delbert and Rachelle Hart will be Grand Marshals. Entry fee for the parade is $15 and forms are available at the Piedmont Fire Department.
The Williamston Christmas Parade will begin at 3 p.m.. Theme for the parade will be “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Parade Chairman Walter Smith, Sr. will be celebrating his 24th year organizing the event.
Registration forms are available at the Williamston Municipal Center or participants can call Town Hall at 847-7473 and give a name and type of entry. Registration deadline for judging is Thursday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m..
If somone in your family loves trains, then take them to see a real train and visit with Santa on the “Santa Express” sponsored by the Greenville & Western Railway Company, LLC (GRLW) It will be the eighth year for the event which is also on Dec. 13.
Children can board Santa’s caboose, visit Old Saint Nick and receive a treat. A drawing will be held for special gifts at each of the five stops.
The Santa Express train will begin the day in Honea Path at Hamby Road at 9 am – 10:15. It will then travel to O’Neal Street in Belton from 10:45 am – 12:15 pm and arrive at Cheddar Road in the Cheddar Community from 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm. The train will arrive in Williamston at Williams Street at 3:15 p.m. until 4:15 pm and then on to Lyman Street in Pelzer (at the depot) from 4:45 pm – 6:15 pm.
Area churches will also have special activities and services during the holidays.
And don’t forget to shop local. Area businesses offer an alternative to the big box stores, without the crowds.
