Eden lights

Several citizens have contacted the Olde Leaksville Merchants and city of Eden to inquire why there are no Christmas lights on Washington Street this year. People may not be aware that the city of Eden is not responsible for our Christmas decorations, beyond assisting us in hanging them. The snowflakes and annual electricity costs they produce (approximately $400) are the responsibility of the downtown merchants.
The streetscape project was completed in September of this year. It resulted in new sidewalks and decorative lights for our area. Most people have been very complimentary of the work the city completed to revitalize Eden’s most historic downtown area. The new poles are made of aluminum and may not be able to hold the snowflakes as securely as the steel poles did in the past. We hope to purchase decorations for the new poles in time for Christmas of 2009.
In the meantime, the city and merchants are working on a plan to display at least some of the snowflakes at the intersections along Washington Street. Our goal is to have them up in time for Candlelight Downtown, which takes place next Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. We will have carolers, historic tours, a live nativity, annual Doggie Costume Contest, musical performances, Santa Claus, merchants offering great Christmas bargains and refreshments. We hope you will get into the Christmas spirit by joining us that evening.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Olde Leaksville Merchants Association.
Peggy Good
President