‘It’s the Christmas season’ – Orangeburg lights up for the holidays

The crowd included 2-1/2-year-old Ella Grace Rhymer, who wants a bicycle like her 5-year-old brother Rhett.

The two wrote their letters to Santa on Sunday, with Rhett asking for a new bike.

Mom Rebecca and Dad Josh are excited about starting the season, too. They came to the Mayor’s Tree Lighting to give the kids a chance to see Santa as soon as possible.

“Thanksgiving is only a day. It’s the Christmas season,” Rebecca said.

Pastor Todd A. Brown of New Mount Zion Baptist Church led the invocation at Sunday’s event. Entertainment was provided by Fusion Dance Academy and the Orangeburg Area Youth Choir.

The singers caused the little ones in the audience to yell “Yay!” as they began to sing “Jingle Bells.”

Sunday’s ceremony featured Circuit Judge Edgar W. Dickson, wife Lessie Gayle Dickson and their 5-year-old granddaughter, Berit Dickson, flipping the ceremonial switch to illuminate Memorial Plaza.

The crowd cheered as the lights came on, with Mayor Michael C. Butler declaring “The Christmas season officially begins in the City of Orangeburg!”

Shekita Fordham came to the event with her children and friends who performed with Fusion Dance Academy, including Skylar Livingston, Amerie Livingston, Alyssa Livingston and Amira Robinson.

“We came to spread a little Christmas joy with everyone,” she said.

Kishana Porter said she’s ready for Christmas.

“I love the Christmas season. It’s about being with family,” she said.

Daughter Egypt Kennerly agreed, saying that while she likes the presents, “I like that I can see my family.”

Kam Porter, also Porter’s daughter, said “I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends and decorating with my family and friends.”

Kristen Glover, who was with mom Farrah Glover, said “I already have a lot.” And then she thought about it: “I want a phone. Oh, and a dog. …”

Orangeburg’s Children’s Garden Christmas and Kids’ Walk in the Edisto Memorial Gardens is open nightly through Jan. 1.

The Kids’ Walk is open from 5-9 p.m.

The Christmas lights will be on along Riverside Drive from 5-10 p.m. Traffic is one-way only on Riverside Drive from Russell Street to Waring Street during these hours.

Santa will be at Edisto Memorial Gardens’ Centennial Park Gazebo from 6-8 p.m. on the following days:

• Friday, Nov. 29

• Sunday, Dec. 8

• Friday, Dec. 13

• Saturday, Dec. 14

• Thursday, Dec. 19

• Friday, Dec. 20

• Saturday, Dec. 21

Visits are free and parents should bring their own cameras to document the experience.