Victorian Christmas continues this evening and, while the threat of rain lingers in our forecasts, organizers say the merriment of the popular event will go on, rain or shine. A successful rain plan was implemented for Thursday night’s event, and organizers say they are prepared to continue with that plan this evening, should it be necessary.
“While there was a threat of rain in last night’s forecast, it did not dampen the holiday spirit,” said Lynn Williams, Executive Director of Economic Development & Communications. “We were very happy with the attendance for Thursday night’s event and even though there is a chance of rain this evening, we are hopeful the weather will hold off until after the festivities finish this evening.”
Event-goers are once again encouraged to grab an umbrella and come shop and dine in downtown Thomasville while enjoying the final night of a much-loved Thomasville tradition. Tonight’s event will continue as originally scheduled. However, organizers are monitoring tonight’s forecast closely and are prepared to implement modifications as necessary should rain occur.
“Our plan for tonight is to move forward with Victorian Christmas as planned, with plenty of entertainment and food vendors on the streets of downtown,” said Madison Eaton, City of Thomasville events coordinator. “Should an increased chance of rain impact our normal set up, we’ll simply move some entertainment inside the Municipal Building and Auditorium and throughout many of our downtown businesses, just as we did for Thursday evening. Our plan was successful and allowed the event to continue, with the merriment and fun we have all come to anticipate in this beloved holiday event.”
The Municipal Auditorium stage will host community performances by dance groups, choruses, and more. “The schedule for the Auditorium will remain the same, rain or shine,” said Eaton. “We know these groups have worked very hard to prepare for their performances, so they deserve to have a full house tonight,” said Eaton. “We are excited to see these groups perform as scheduled.”
As of noon Friday, the plan will be for St. Nick to be located in The Ritz Amphitheater, located in The Bottom district of West Jackson Street. “Should rain move in and if we feel it is unsafe for our youngest visitors, St. Nick will be relocated to the Municipal Building, where he welcomed children of all ages on Thursday evening,” said Eaton. “We will also have live reindeer available for photo ops again this evening. The reindeer will be located in the fire bay of Fire Rescue Station 1, connected to the Municipal Building.”
Downtown shops and restaurants will be open for business as scheduled, with many hosting additional entertainment. “Many shops and restaurants will feature live entertainers either inside or outside of their storefronts, depending on the weather. These talented vocalists and performers really help set the festive atmosphere of tonight’s event,” said April Norton, City of Thomasville Main Street and Business Development Director. “Whether they are performing inside or outside, we appreciate our downtown merchants hosting these performers, so be sure you stop by to enjoy these talented musicians.”
Event organizers recommend visitors and shoppers come hungry! Many popular food vendors as well as downtown restaurants will be serving up delicacies throughout downtown. “Many of these vendors are non-profits who look forward to this event all year. We encourage visitors to plan to dine in downtown this evening or grab a few treats to sample as you enjoy tonight’s event,” said Eaton.
"As of this morning, all of our participating Downtown businesses plan to move forward with their special Victorian Christmas extended hours,” said Norton. “This is a grand shopping and dining event for our Downtown businesses, and they are eager for you to step inside their storefronts.” Any changes to the hours of operation for any downtown business will be posted to the Downtown Thomasville website, Thomasvillega.com, and on social media sites.
Victorian Christmas is a 33-year-old Thomasville tradition. “While we are never happy about inclement weather during an event, we are prepared to bring the community a modified version of the event to keep the traditions going no matter the weather,” said Williams. “The City of Thomasville would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the citizens and visitors who support Victorian Christmas and help make this event a success.”
Victorian Christmas festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. and will wrap up at 9 p.m. For more information on tonight’s event, please contact the Thomasville Visitor’s Center at 229-228-7977 or visit www.thomasvillega.com.