Staff reports
Effingham County municipalities, civic organizations, and businesses have planned a variety of events and celebrations for the holiday season. Listed below are several events that are now taking applications from vendors, sponsors, or parade participants.
Rincon
Rincon gets the snowball rolling on Nov. 29 with its Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Veteran’s Park (Hwy. 21 and 17th Street) at 7 p.m.; and Nov. 30 with its 44th Annual Rincon Lions Christmas Parade beginning at 10 a.m. The theme is “Icy Wonderland”.
After the parade, the public can stroll around at Freedom Park for the city’s first “Christmas Market” (also Dec. 1), which will feature food trucks, activities for the kids, local artisans, and vendors. More information is available on the Rincon Facebook page.
“Skating in the South” on a simulated “ice” rink will be available Wednesdays through Sundays, Dec. 4-22. Skate fees are $15 for adults, $10 for kids aged 12 and under and includes skate rental for one hour of skating. Check out the event’s Facebook page for specials and discounts.
Photos with the Grinch will be available Dec. 19, 5-7 p.m.
And…Santa Claus will be in Rincon each Saturday before Christmas, 5-7 p.m. and available to take photos. (Of course, he has to return to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas Eve…)
The Effingham Community Orchestra will present its annual Holiday concert Dec. 7 – and homemade cookie sale -- at Rincon Global Methodist Church, 107 Savannah Ave., Rincon, beginning at 7 p.m. Concert is free. Monetary donations for the orchestra are accepted and appreciated.
Springfield
The City of Springfield will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting during “First Friday” Dec. 6. “First Friday” begins at 4 p.m. with Laurel Street closed to traffic so members of the public can stroll along and shop at local shops, pop-up vendors, and food trucks.
The Mars Theater is also hosting “A Holly Dolly Christmas” on Dec. 7 with two shows at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m., featuring dancers from Southern Unlimited Dance Company.
“The Navigator’s Lighted Christmas Parade” is also Dec. 7, beginning at 6 p.m. in Springfield. Download the entry application from the Effingham Talks Facebook page. Free to enter, but each entry must be lighted and driven by a licensed and insured driver.
Guyton
City of Guyton will hold its Christmas tree lighting, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. on the walking trail.
Winter Sale along the Trail, is set for Dec. 7, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on the walking trail starting at the Caboose. Vendor applications are available at Guyton City Hall. Spaces are $40.
The annual Luminary Service at the Guyton/Ferguson cemeteries (behind Guyton Elementary School) will take place Dec. 10 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The service is designed to remember and acknowledge Guyton residents who have passed during the year. Tonos Goros, Sr., is the honoree for 2024. Goros was an active member of the Guyton Historic Preservation Committee.
The City of Guyton Christmas parade is set for Dec. 14 beginning at 11 a.m. Entry packet is available online at bit.ly/4eqVEen. Application deadline is Dec. 4. The theme is “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree.”
Still need to do some Christmas shopping? Check out the Holiday Bazaar at the Guyton Family Y, Dec. 14, beginning at 2 p.m. Vendors may apply until Dec. 6 through the Guyton Family Y.
