The second annual “Williamston Winter Wonderland” event was held Sunday and included a Holiday Market Fair, Christmas Parade, Christmas tree lighting at Town Hall, Lighting of the Christmas Park and opening of Deck the Halls inside the Williamston Municipal Building.
Parade organizer Sherri Cole said she loved having the parade be part of the Winter Wonderland. “We had the best turn out for participants and attendance in years.”
Market organizer Joy Zapada said vendors were busy the entire time the market was open.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess hosted the Tree Lighting Service.
Hillcrest Baptist Church Pastor Larry Baldwin began the service with a prayer.
Special Guests were recognized and included Councilman Chris Alexander and his parents, Council lady Tabatha Austin and her family, Councilman Lee Cole and his wife, and Councilman Tony Haygood. State Representative Anne Thayer and husband and Senator Mike Gambrell and his wife were also present. Three former mayors were also special guests at the event. Attending were Dr. Mack Durham and his wife, Phillip Clardy and his mother, Carthel Crout and his wife.
Other special guests included West Pelzer Mayor Blake Sanders, Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland and Honea Path Mayor Christopher Burton and family. Lander founding family member Laura Lander also attended.
Envision Williamston Board Members were recognized. They include Chairman Dr. Marion Williams, Vice Chair Faye Meares – Treasurer Rene Pressley – Secretary Wendy Burgess – David Meade – Tony Taylor – Melanie Dugan – Roderick Houston – Miriam Church – Will Smythe – Mayor Rockey Burgess – Mayor Pro Tem Chris Alexander and PBA Chair Carolann Newton. And Roberta Barrs Hamby – Envision Williamston’s Executive Director.
Burgess thanked all of the local churches for their support and participation in the event.
The Pelzer Light People were present and the Palmetto Business Association sponsored Carriage Rides. Jeremy Sargent had a hayride for people to enjoy.
Burgess thanked Dianne Lollis, Debbie Chapman and Shelia Garren for all the work they did in getting the event organized.
Pastors Larry Baldwin and Ron Fousek read the story of the Birth of Christ.
Pastor James Robertson sang a solo.
There were several food trucks present, cookies and hot cocoa, carolers, the Trotter Quartet and Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Historic Scout Hut. Mickey and Minnie character were available for pictures with kids.
Mayor Burgess hosted reading of “the Birth of Christ” and “Night Before Christmas” for kids and parents in his office.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby organized the Winter Wonderland event.
She thanked everyone who helped make it a success. Among those she thanked were Weston Pack and Julia Wagner (Upward Leadership) for helping with the event, Sandra Burgess “for helping in all areas that we needed you.”
Snow Machines Were Serviced and Repaired By Dr. Marion Williams and Run Successfully by Nicholas Williams and Christian Baitel (Also Upward Leadership). She also thanked Jack Ellenburg “for capturing our moments on film” and Barry Pack for taking drone footage of the event.
Hamby thanked the Williamston Police Department “for all the work you put into the event, before, during and after.
“Thank you goes out to everyone who attended the event and told us how much you enjoyed it. You are all the reason that we work so hard all year to make it a great event for you and your families. We hope God blesses you all this holiday season and into the New Year.”
Pictured – Crowd enters the Williamston Municipal Center to view the decorated trees at Deck the Halls and check out the Holiday Market following the Tree Lighting Service.
