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From Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce

Halloween is past so it is time for Columbia and Tyrrell County residents and businesses to begin getting their Christmas decorations and displays ready for the annual River Town Christmas judging. This year with all the COVID-19 related cancellations, close downs, quarantines and other uncertainties, there is even more reason for residents and businesses to go all-out to decorate for the holiday season.

“We want our residents and businesses to light up the town and county-side this Christmas,” stated Kristin Bradley, Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce President. “This will be an opportunity for Columbia to shine and for everyone to get inspiration and encouragement as Christmas approaches. Even if it is only a single simple wreath, we would love to see every house, business and church in Columbia adorned with a Christmas decoration.”

“These are outside decorations so the COVID virus should not keep anyone from decorating,” she added.

River Town Christmas is an annual project of the Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Town of Columbia and Tyrrell County. The celebration will run Friday, Dec. 4 through Saturday, Dec. 5. The planning committee is busy organizing this year’s event even though they face challenges of social distancing, building occupancies and other health-related concerns that will require modification to the normal four day of activities.

The Christmas decorating contest will not require modification. Recognition will be given to residential and business locations for traditional and religious themed decorations. Judging of downtown business locations may include window as well as complete storefront decorations.

The best decorated neighborhood award will encourage groups of homeowners along a block or in a neighborhood to decorate for the holiday season. “We realize some folks may not want to decorate early for Christmas, but we want all of our town and community to sparkle when we usher in the season with the River Town Christmas celebration,” Bradley said. “We hope to make such a good impression that people will drive to Columbia from neighboring towns and communities to see our Christmas lights.’

For more information, call 252-796-1996.