Like most events, activities and celebrations across the country this year, the 2020 holidays locally will be far different frompast, yet not totally lost. Christmas decorations are currently adorning downtown Summerville and yes, Santa will still come and see our children this year. With precaution and public safety at the forefront, limited editions of the traditional Christmas Mistletoe Market, City of Summerville Christmas Parade, and Santa visits are still planned.
Mistletoe Market
Summerville Main Street’s annual Mistletoe Market is set for Saturday, December 5 in Dowdy Park. The event will run from 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Due to COVID, this year’s event will be much different from markets over the past few years. This year’sone day event, held outdoors, will highlight 15 merchants, artisans, and vendors. Dry Valley Baptist Church will be on hand with a variety of Christmas décor, crafts, and baked goods. Other vendors include, but are not limited to, R Creations, Angie’s Scentsational Wax and More, Amy Price Crafts, Kim Plant’s Homemade Soaps, Somewhere Over The Rainbow Children’s Boutique, Ginger Hosmer’s Blooms & Brews, Raven Avan’s Creations, Ashley B’s Apothecary, Becky McWhorter’s Live Wreath’s, Charlie Long’s Fudge and More, Small Town BBQ ,M&N Kreations, and 77 Sunflowers. A clogging performance by the Southern Style Sweetheart Cloggers is scheduled for 1:00 pm. Vendors will be wearing masks and following CDC Guidelines. Event goers are also asked to also abide by CDC Guidelines as well for public safety. Admission and parking is free.
Reverse/Drive-Thru Christmas Parade
To end the evening, a small drive-thru Christmas parade is scheduled from 6 until 8 p.m. The parade route will begin on University Street along Dowdy Park, turning north onto East Washington Street. Public Safety staff will be on hand directing the flow of traffic for this event. The set-up will be similar to a drive-through holiday lights display and will allow for spacing between parade entrants, allowing those looking for Christmas cheer to simply drive-through and enjoy the sights and soundsfrom the safety of their vehicle. In addition, while driving through the parade, sounds of the season may be enjoyed on 99.1 FM Real Country WZQZ. Santa will be located at the end of the parade route, as always, excited to wave to all the children riding by.
Socially Distanced Visits with Santa
Santa is working hard at staying safe and healthy by taking all precautions recommended to remain healthy for his big trip todeliver toys around the world. Santa’s mailbox is located on Commerce Street as part of the Santa Meet and Greet display area in front of the Tooga Theater. Letters may be dropped off to be delivered to Santa at this location. The jolly ol’ elf himself will be on site for socially distanced meet and greets on the following dates: Saturday, December 12 from 3-7 pm, Sunday, December 13 from 2-5 pm, Saturday, December 19 from 3-7 pm and Sunday, December 20 from 2-5 pm.
