The Andalusia City Council received a positive report about the 10th annual Christmas in Candyland events during a council meeting held on Tuesday.
Michele Gerlach, communications director for the City of Andalusia, said the celebration of Candyland brought new media attention to the city, such as being listed among “The most Magical Holiday Towns within the United States” by Country Living Magazine and the Southern Thing website named Andalusia one of nine “Southern cities that are Magical during Christmas.” Alabama Association of Realtors also identified Andalusia as one of the “Five Must-See Santa Claus Towns located in Alabama,” and al.com listed the city in the top five “Alabama Christmas Towns that look like the movies.”
The most notable visitors mentioned during the report included an American couple hailing from Long Island, New York who took the 2,240-mile round trip route to Candyland.
“Their objective is to visit every state of the country and when they searched for the top things to do in Alabama they came across Candyland and enjoyed a weekend in the state,” Gerlach said.
Another weekend, a travel club comprised from 16 motor coaches gathered at Cypress Landing to visit Candyland.
City officials thanked city employees for their efforts, which they claimed did their best to ensure that everything went smoothly for guests and acknowledged everyone at the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce and the volunteers for their work to make Candyland every year a huge success.
“We appreciate everyone who volunteers to aid us in creating Candyland every year. the chamber has performed well over the years of co-ordinating the various organizations and businesses that have constructed and maintained the more than 50 cottages that are used for fun which make Candyland an ideal location for families to take pleasure in. The Chamber also offers sponsorships for a variety of activities that take place at Candyland and we are grateful for all the support we have received by the businesses. Additionally, the chamber has lot of volunteers who have worked cold hours to keep the information booth open.” Gerlach said.
In the last two years the chamber and the city have joined forces together with Meredith’s Miracles to bring entertainment to Candyland.
“That incredible organization also has many volunteers who work with characters as well as who run the toy store. The chamber and the city have a specific policy of allowing food vendors to be present at Candyland and not allowing food vendors at the other locations for The Meredith’s Miracles Toy Shop. This means that Candyland is a major part of their fundraising. We are delighted that Candyland can help them raise money for their worthy goal of providing financial assistance for families of children that have to travel outside of the market to get medical attention that is specific,” Gerlach added.
Andy Wiggins, director of planning and development for the city, said that everyone who was involved in the process of bringing Candyland to life had a fantastic job in setting up and continuing with their efforts throughout the entire event.
“We are thankful for the hours that city employees devote to the creation, management and storage of everything Candyland. The maintenance team starts construction of for the Polar Bear slide in October and will work at least seven days per week up to the time that Candyland opens. It is the Utilities Department also is instrumental in ensuring that we have all the Christmas decorations put up,” Wiggins said. “Maintenance and the crew to maintain our grounds are on site early every day we’re open to ensure that the park is in top condition for guests. From the ticket kiosk through The Springdale Express train to the Polar Bear Slide to the Skate Shack, we cannot be more grateful to the staff who work hard to make a visit to Candyland an enjoyable experience. We thank them very and highly.”
The hard work of everyone were rewarded according to what feedback was received.
“It was fantastic! We’re visiting in Northeast Alabama and can’t believe the amazing experience. Already planning to visit again next year!” added Kim Rice Holman.
“So great fun! Thank everyone who work for businesses and volunteers who made this happen!” added Candice Knowles Blackburn, who travelled across the state of Florida from Molino, Florida.
A large number of visitors to Candyland are out of in the Florida panhandle. “At one point in two parking areas we counted more than 100 Florida license plates,” Wiggins said.
“We encounter a lot residents from on the Gulf Coast. There were many individuals coming from Mobile, Pensacola and points between Mobile and Tallahassee,” Gerlach added.
The Mayor Earl Johnson expressed his appreciation to the city’s employees who help make Candyland an event that is special for residents of the area and visitors from all over the world.
“I’m extremely satisfied with the effort that our employees invest in Candyland each the year,”” Johnson said. “It really takes a whole village to create Candyland occur, and we wish to express our thanks to everyone in the village for putting Andalusia onto the map. The regional, local and national media coverage this event has attracted has brought about a lot of positive press coverage for Andalusia. This has generated attendance, which in turn has increased sales at local stores. We couldn’t be more than grateful.”
The council did address two items of action on its agenda. These included:
- Approving an update to approval of an amendment to Rebuild Alabama Act. The city must disclose any funds that were used to Rebuild Alabama. As of now the city hasn’t used the funds.
- The council has approved a contract for the start of the drainage works in River Falls Street at a price of $87,000.
The next city council will be held on Tuesday, January. 16 at 6 p.m. in the city hall. The work session is scheduled prior to the meeting at 5:15 p.m. The public is invited be present at both sessions as well as the regular meeting.
The article Officials from the city: 10th annual Candyland another great success for Andalusia was originally published in The Andalusia Star-News.
