Nothing reminds me more of what it ’ s like to be a kid again than seeing Christmas lights , and Moultrie has one of the most magnificent displays in the state of Georgia and an award-winning event , “ Lights ! Lights ! Thanksgiving Night !” to go with it . From its humble beginnings around 1945 as a way of celebrating the end of World War II , this event has become a holiday tradition that has continuously expanded over the years to include stilt walkers , a strolling piano , reindeer , live music at the amphitheater and a family favorite , the train ride around the square . And don ’ t forget Santa who always makes Moultrie part of his holiday plans .
“ There ’ s so much to see and do for everyone , from the festive lights to the local shops and entertainment . It ’ s a night where families and friends can come together to kick off the holiday season and celebrate the heart of our town ,” said VanDalsem .
The lights themselves have expanded over the decades , as well , starting in 1934 with lights being placed along the sidewalks in front of the stores . A strand was also run from each corner of the square to the top of the courthouse — only four strands — and then a big white star was placed on top . This gave it the appearance of a giant Christmas tree . Years later , after the light display was expanded to the outer streets , the phrase Canopy of Lights came into use .
Nothing gets me into the holiday mood more than seeing those coils and coils of cable that start to appear sometime around the 1st of November . City employees start hanging the canopy way before most people have even begun to think about the Christmas holidays . Former City Utilities director Roger King helped design the current layout of the canopy when he had worked for McLean Engineering Company in the early 1990s . He said that in the 1960s when the county redid the courthouse , it made it virtually impossible to put the star on the very top of the building . He said the stars that hang on the cupola now were purchased and donated by Moultrie High School Class of 1963 .
Crossing 47 has played many years during Thanksgiving night , entertaining the audience with Christmas songs .
16 MoultrieScene HOLIDAY 2024