Today , the current version of the canopy features approximately 7,500 energy-efficient , faceted LED bulbs instead of the original bulbs , which were retired and transformed into keepsake ornaments in 2016 .
There are 40 strands of lights that hang from the top of the courthouse and create the main canopy . There are 250 streamers that hang across the roadways within the nine-block area around the courthouse .
According to the City , the work on the canopy begins the week after the Sunbelt Expo each year , starting with the testing and replacement of bulbs in each of the strands of lights .
The next phase is hanging the support and electrical feed wires before hanging the streamers and then testing the lights comes next . It ’ s pretty much “ all hands on deck ” to accomplish this feat : A majority of the Utilities Department staff is involved with some part of erecting the canopy . The electric department installs the guy wires , electrical connections , streamers of bulbs and the stars at the top of the Courthouse cupola and the Gas and Water Department staff erects the community Christmas tree at the amphitheater . The entire process takes about a month from start to finish .
So , folks , be patient and careful when you see the guys out working around the square in November . They are working very hard to get our wonderful canopy of lights up in time for Thanksgiving night !
“ Lights ! Lights !” — named the state ’ s Premier Special Event by the Georgia Downtown Conference in 2022 — dates back to 1999 . The Downtown Merchants , with the help of the Main Street Program , planned an event for Thanksgiving night of that year . “ Lights ! Lights ! Thanksgiving Night is more than just a dazzling display — it ’ s one of the biggest events in Moultrie , growing larger every year and bringing our community together in a truly special way ,” said VanDalsem .
The Grinch made an appearance in downtown Moultrie on Thanksgiving night .
The stilt walkers are always a popular attraction during Lights ! Lights ! on Thanksgiving night in Moultrie .
HOLIDAY 2024 MoultrieScene 17