Christmas in Candyland will be even more spectacular in its 10th year of existence following The Andalusia City Council ratified various purchases for the annual holiday.
Representatives from the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, which hosts Candyland The event, has requested the purchase that include a 50-foot tree to be placed in the Square as well as a brand new ornament that walks through the walk with new letters that be read Candyland and four sails of varying dimensions. The total cost of the purchase is $114,000.
“It is hard to believe that we are already in the 10th Christmas season in Candyland. We’ve decided to take advantage and get started on purchasing some of the items, particularly when they are available at a reduced price,” said Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership Services Maggie Holmes.
According to Holmes the tree is between 10-12 years old, and is at 36 to 42 feet high.
“She is loved by many for several years and is in the process of breaking down. We’d like to to make the event bigger and better in the 10th anniversary of our wedding. When you drive to Church Street, it will be awe-inspiring to look at that far away. The tree will have a topper and a few basic ornaments. We’ll reuse a few of the same ornaments as the present tree. This is the same tree that we have, just larger and more beautiful,” she said.
The new walk-through design will be identical to the existing one in Springdale.
“It’s basically a standard piece in Springdale and everywhere else on Facebook. It’s a good couple of years old, and like the tree, it is disintegrating. The new model is much bigger and will permit larger groups to snap pictures in more area. It’s also much easier to put together and shouldn’t take too long to put together.” Holmes said.
New letters are expected to look like that of Hollywood sign and will write”Candyland. “Candyland” across the Springdale lawn.
“These letters are extremely tall and are distinctive to the event. They could be used in a variety of locations. The “Andy” portion would feature candy cane-themed lights to make it stand out you travel along East Three Notch. We wanted it to be unique and personal,” she said.
Holmes declared she believed that “Elsa” was among the best photographed person every season at Candyland. These new sails improve Elsa’s appearance and increase the opportunities for photographers.
“Her area has been in need of some affection for quite some time. We decided to find various sizes to place behind Elsa to capture photos. The idea was to increase her space and could be used in other areas in the event that it doesn’t work,” she said.
The Mayor Earl Johnson said he felt it was crucial to keep Candyland current and up-to-date.
“The visitors have been coming year after year. Some have been here for five years, others just for two, however always want something new and exciting. They would like to see a few of the old ones also, and we do not invest this much on new items. This being the tenth year of my tenure, I’m of the opinion that the current tree is in poor condition. There’s no doubt that we require a new tree and I believe that the other elements will enhance the existing tree,” Johnson said.
The council ratified the purchase in a vote of unanimity.
During the business portion this meeting, council members debated:
- The next meeting is scheduled to be moved in connection with it being the Fourth of July holiday. The council voted to move the meeting to the 5th of July on Wednesday with a work session scheduled for 5:45 p.m. and the regular session starting at 6 p.m.
- The company is authorized to offer a tax rebate and a contract for a contract Saints Cafe. The City Councilor John Thompson described the business as receiving tax rebates in a similar manner to those given by other businesses in the past. The council voted to approve the 1.5 percent tax refund for three consecutive years based on the sales made by the establishment.
- The purchase of new equipment for police. Officer Chief Paul Hudson said some of the radar units currently being that are used by the city last about 10 to 15 years old and must be upgraded to make it easier to enforce speed laws and rules. Mayor Johnson stated that this will put radar units into all city police vehicles. The council voted in favor of purchasing five radars for $9,837.50 and will be financed through funds from the city’s American Rescue Act Plan funds (COVID).
- The council voted to approve the removal of a dry cleaning establishment located at 221 S. Cotton St. Johnson declared that the move would open up a path for improvement to the area. The council has approved the plan for $35,190 utilizing the capital fund of the city.
- Approving the removal of nuisance property on Ellis Chickasaw and Cherokee avenues, Eighth and Fletcher avenues, as well as Snowden Drive.
The council also voted in favor of a massive sidewalk project that will be built around Andalusia High as well as Junior High Schools. To find more information about that project, visit https://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2023/06/24/andalusia-city-council-approves-sidewalk-drainage-projects/.
This council’s next meeting will be held on Wednesday 5th July. There will be an open house beginning at 5:45 p.m. followed by the usual session starting with a 6. p.m. at the city hall. The public is invited attend every session.
The article Andalusia City Council accepts Candyland expenses; local celebration to mark 10 years was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
