City Brings Back Treasured Holiday Lights
October 3, 2011
Greenwood, SC - One thing is for certain. After a two year hiatus, illuminated falling snowflakes will return to Uptown Greenwood this holiday season.
Following nearly twenty years of use in Uptown Greenwood, the City placed the 104 giant snowflakes up for auction last year to the highest bidder. The snowflakes needed significant repairs and the City looked to purchase new holiday lighting.
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The prior year in 2009, the City did not put up the snowflakes because all of the street poles in Uptown had just received a fresh coat of paint.
Then, the outpouring of support from local citizens to save the lights began.
“I received numerous phone calls and emails asking that we not sell the lights and instead find a way to use them again,” said Greenwood Mayor Welborn Adams. “City Council agreed and made it clear to staff to have the snowflakes ready for 2011.”
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City of Greenwood and Greenwood CPW staff test a set of snowflakes in front of the Federal Building Monday.
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Since that time, all of the snowflakes have received a cleaning and fresh new white powder coating. In addition, all of the traditional white light bulbs have been replaced with more energy efficient LED lighting.
The City completed a test of the snowflake animation Monday, October 3 in front of the Arts Center at the Federal Building. It is anticipated the snowflakes will be in place for Uptown’s Holiday Open House scheduled the weekend of November 11-13.
“We were able to restore the snowflakes much cheaper than the cost of purchasing new lights,” said Greenwood City Manager Charlie Barrineau.
The refurbishment of the snowflakes was completed using local hospitality tax funds. Hospitality tax funds can only be used for the promotion and development of projects that encourage an increase in visitors to Greenwood.
The snowflakes will be added to the City’s recently purchased holiday decorations. The City unveiled a new “Adventures in Toyland” themed display in 2010 including numerous life size holiday toys and decorations.
“The City is committed to developing the Uptown holiday light display as a regional attraction,” said Barrineau.
For additional information on this year’s Uptown Greenwood Holiday Open House, visit www.uptowngreenwood.com or call (864) 942-8448.
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