Fall is a beautiful time of year in Covington, and there are few places better to find activities and moments of reflections than downtown.

However, I’m sure many of you driving through the Square lately, have noticed Christmas lights popping up around the Square. That’s because it takes time to get everything installed for Christmas on the Square. We try to keep everything fresh and new so with that thought in mind we have several surprises in store for you this year.

One new surprise you won’t be able to miss is the addition of our new, multicolored, twinkle lights Christmas tree. Santa will arrive and then flip the switch on Thursday, Nov. 17, during the festivities of ‘Lighting of the Tree’. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. visitors will enjoy live entertainment performed by Maddie Bree and New ID, The Newton County Theme School fourth and fifth grade choir, Covington First United Methodist Church Praise Band Living Proof, Peachtree Academy Ensemble, The Arts Association’s Oxford Little Singers, Oxford Singing Children, Newton County Community Band and the Covington Regional Ballet. Fireworks will fill the sky at the stroke of 7 p.m. as the tree is lit symbolizing the beginning of Christmas in Covington. The downtown shops will be hosting their Christmas Open Houses, we’ll have complimentary carriage rides, s’more station and Southeastern Appliance will host a decorated cookie station.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays that I treasure with my family. After you’ve enjoyed your last leftover turkey sandwich, join us on Saturday, Nov. 26, as we promote Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is about honoring local, hard-working small business owners and showing support for the many small businesses that bring life to our community. This is the official kickoff to Christmas shopping and we encourage you to shop small, shop local, shop Downtown Covington. We’ll be having some great sidewalk sale specials that day and the restaurants will be open waiting to serve you.

Here is a sprinkling of what you can expect to enjoy during Christmas on the Square: Thursday evenings (Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15) will be our late night shopping nights with complimentary carriages rides from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Friday evenings are themed again this year. The first Friday, Dec. 2, is “The Polar Express,” Dec. 9 the Grinch will join us and Dec. 16 is “Charlie Brown Christmas”. We’re adding pony rides, a life-size snow globe complete with snow that you can get in (perfect for your family photos) and a new train. You will love this train and how fitting that we debut it on Polar Express night. Children, make sure you wear your PJ’s. We’re excited to add a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest so get your creative juices flowing. All the houses will be displayed in the Historic Courthouse. For more information and guidelines visit DowntownCovington.org

Also this year, be on the lookout for Santa’s Village, where you can write letters to Santa and make a craft in the village —the former Belk building on Monticello Street.

Each Friday night we are also asking for a little assistance as you enjoy the holiday season. For the first time ever we are asking for “admission” to our events. Admission to “The Polar Express” on Dec. 2 is a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the Food Bank. Since the Grinch stole all the toys, the ‘admission’ on Dec. 9 is a new, unwrapped toy that will be donated to Salvation Army. Berry’s Tree Farm is bringing some ‘Charlie Brown trees’ and your ‘admission’ on Dec. 16 is a new scarf, knit cap, pair of gloves or mittens that you will use to decorate the trees. All these items will then be donated to Alcovy Casa. We want to send the message to everyone that it’s not what you get, it’s what you give that matters.

Make sure to mark your calendars for The Covington Christmas Parade sponsored by the Covington Lions Club Saturday, Dec. 3 beginning at 10 a.m. If you are interested in participating you can register at www.covingtongalions.org
The most special of all is the true meaning of Christmas. You’re invited to join us on the Square for ‘The True meaning of Christmas’ on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mark your calendars now so you don't miss this great evening.
Until next time, make it a great day!

Velinda Hardy is the Main Street Covington Director. She can be reached at vhardy@newtonchamber.com.