TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | NOV 2018 17
Main Street Musings
Chantel Morton, Development Authority/Main Street Program Staff Director
There is so much to be thankful for, joy to share, and hope to give as we enter into the
holiday season this year. The spirit of community, support from and for commerce,
and the authentic culture of Tybee Island continues to shine during TYBEE FOR THE
HOLIDAYS. The holiday season kicks off Thanksgiving Day and goes through New
Year’s Day with a variety of activities and small town experiences. You’ll notice
more holiday displays around the island this year to make the island even more
festive. Everyone – residents and merchants – are encouraged to decorate even
more this year!
A few annual activities and celebrations for the holiday season are highlighted in
this article. More can be found at www.tybeefortheholidays.com which is your
convenient one-stop site to help you plan ahead or, if you prefer, at the last minute.
Starting Thanksgiving Day, Community of Caring donation boxes will be in place at
many businesses around the island that are helping collect for Tybee’s Rising TYde
Food Pantry, children’s gifts, and the animal shelter. Donations can be dropped off
until December 20. Check out participating locations and a list of items needed
here: http://www.tybeefortheholidays.com/community-of-giving/.
Plus, some of your favorite dining hotspots will be open for those of you not wanting
to cook on holiday days (check out www.tybeefortheholidays.com for the latest
info, hours, and specials).
The Saturday after Thanksgiving will be a special day to support your local
economy during Small Business Saturday®. Many businesses throughout the
island are participating in this day of “championing the neighborhood”! This day
also marks the tradition of tree decorating at the roundabout. In anticipation of
adorning the tree, students with Tybee Island Maritime Academy will be making
handmade ornaments to add to previous year’s collections!
Family fun will begin Friday, November 30 at 6:30 pm when the Christmas tree
is lit during the annual LIGHTS ON FOR TYBEE CELEBRATION downtown Tybee.
Complimentary refreshments
at various locations, singing,
dancing, awards, and visitors
from the North Pole will delight
those from the youngest to
the oldest of ages. Prior to
Mayor Buelterman lighting the
island’s Christmas tree at the
Roundabout, flutist Dahlin will
be performing to prepare you
for the countdown. Tybee Arts
Association & Performing Society
will be providing entertainment
with caroling, students with the
STUDIO will be dancing, awards
will be presented, and a special
flash mob, with your help, will
welcome our North Pole weekend
guests.
Saturday, December 1 at 1 pm is the TYBEE ISLAND CHRISTMAS PARADE. Mr. and
Mrs. Clause will be led from downtown to the Tybee gym by candy-giving elves
and festive floats. Once they arrive at the Gym, the Tybee YMCA will host photo
time, refreshments, and activities for all to enjoy. Parade applications are available
in this issue, at City Hall and online. We look forward to having everyone share their
holiday music and costumes on the decked out parade floats.
For more information about the Tybee Island Development Authority/Main Street
Program, upcoming city approved special events, “Door-to-Door News,” Business/
Community Matters, and Historic Preservation Spotlights, sign up for the Main
Street E-News by visiting www.tybeeislandmainstreet.com or the Tybee Island
Main Street FB page.
As always, feel free to contact members of the Development Authority/Main Street
Board of Directors (pictured below) with suggestions and/or concerns re: economic
vitality and preservation.
See you around town! Chantel
/www.tybeefortheholidays.com
/www.tybeefortheholidays.com
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/www.tybeeislandmainstreet.com
/www.riversendcampground.com