North Augusta celebrates start of Christmas season with tree lighting

Samantha Winn, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Dec. 1—The holiday lights and spirit came to life in North Augusta.

The city of North Augusta officially kicked off the holiday season with their annual Christmas tree lighting at Calhoun Park on Nov. 30. The event featured a colorfully lit tree at the corner of the park, spirited performances from Paul Knox and North Augusta Middle School bands, and a visit from the Clauses.

The tree, located in Calhoun Park in front of the famous Lookaway Inn, sits at the fork in the road between Carolina and Georgia Avenues. Families and friends were able to partake in the Christmas tradition.

Justin Trinca, along with his family, came out to experience the holiday festivities in North Augusta.

"Our little one is 14 months now, and she is getting old enough to get excited about things," Trinca said. "We happened to see it online I think and we are right around the corner so we wanted to come out and see what it's all about."

"Last year was definitely different around the holidays. So it is nice to see everybody out, see kids running around and see people handing out s'mores and hot chocolates," Trinca added.

Mayor Briton Williams is happy to ring in the holiday season with this tradition.

"I think it is exciting. After everything we went through last year, even though we did it last year, most people not having to wear masks and it's just a great way to lead into the holidays," Williams said. "I think people are ready to get back to a new normal."

As Mayor, Williams picked Ella Hooker, 4, to turn the light switch in the park on to signal the start of the holiday season.

Families had the chance to roast marshmallows with the Boy Scouts and write letters to Santa while spending quality time with family.

"I think the tree lighting marks the beginning of it for everybody," Aimee Lester, a committee member with Boy Scouts Troop 7 said. "We are officially past Thanksgiving and it's officially Christmas time."

"It's really awesome. It actually means a lot," Amanda Wehunt said. "I am from Augusta and Augusta never had anything like this, so coming over here to North Augusta, it's great. It really feels like a family over here."

North Augusta's holiday festivities continue throughout the weekend with the 40th annual North Augusta Lions Club Christmas parade on Dec. 5.

Samantha Winn covers the city of North Augusta, with a focus on government and community oriented business. Follow her on Twitter: @samanthamwinn and on Facebook and Instagram: @swinnnews.