THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) - Despite a rainy forecast for much of Friday, Victorian Christmas organizers say the show must go on.
Event organizers have announced a revised plan for Friday night’s celebration that will allow the event to go on as planned with some modifications.
"Ultimately, the safety of our community and our visitors is our highest concern,” said Sarah Baggett, Marketing Manager. “We want everyone to enjoy Victorian Christmas and shop with our downtown merchants, however the rain makes our normal set up difficult. To ensure a safe event, we have elected to relocate much of our entertainment, including our most popular attractions, inside the Municipal Building and Auditorium.”
All community acts that were scheduled for the amphitheater Friday night will instead be performed in the Municipal Auditorium.
This includes the dance and chorus groups from Thomas County Central High School, the F.I.R.M. Dance Company/Off Broadstreet Centre for the Dance Arts, Dance Academy, and the Thomasville High School Jazz Ensemble.
“We know these groups have worked very hard to prepare for their performances, so they deserve to have a full house tonight,” said Baggett. “Moving them indoors will ensure that these performances can be enjoyed in comfort.”
And if you're looking for St. Nick, he's been relocated to the ground floor of the Municipal Building.
The adjustments don't come without some cancellations, as outside food vendors and some street performance have been cancelled. However, some entertainment will be spread throughout the Municipal Building. Stilt walkers will roam the building for photo ops and entertainment will be located in the front lobby leading up to the auditorium.
“The hot air balloon photo op will also be set up in the lobby,” said Baggett.
The Junior Service League’s Children’s Christmas Shop will be moved to Council Chambers along with the Thomasville History Center’s Christmas card station. Other children’s crafts provided by the Thomas County Public Library will be in the interior hallways of the building as well.
Downtown shops and restaurants will be open for business as scheduled. Should any business have a change in their hours of operation for this evening, Norton said the information will be shared on Downtown Thomasville’s social media accounts and on their website.
"As of this morning, all of our downtown businesses plan to move forward with their special Victorian Christmas extended hours,” said April Norton, the Main Street and Business Development Director.
Victorian Christmas festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. and will wrap up at 9 p.m. For questions, please contact the Thomasville Visitor’s Center at 228-7977.
