MONCKS CORNER, SC – The COVID-19 pandemic may be putting a damper on holiday gatherings or other traditions this year, but the Old Santee Canal Park annual light show in Moncks Corner got the green light, as well as a rainbow of other colors.
The park kicked off the “Celebrate The Season” light show with the 8th annual Tinsel Trot Fun Run/Walk event. It’s a two-mile course through the displays and the only time when visitors can see the lights on foot before it opens to the public to drive-thru only.
“It’s something we can still put on with covid restrictions. It’s a good family, outdoor, safe event,” Brad Sale, the park director, said.
Typically the event draws about 2,000 visitors, but to keep people safe several changes were made:
-The event took place over three days instead of one
-Registrants were capped at 500 people per day
-Masks were encouraged when social distancing wasn’t an option
-No water stations
-No official start time, just walk during the allotted timeframe
-No after party with Santa, DJ, or food
“Anything that caused people to congregate we got rid of. It’s literally come out, walk at your leisure, and go home,” Sale said.
He says about 1,000 people signed up over the three day event. Despite many changes and restrictions, many visitors felt the outdoor event was low-risk and kept with their holiday tradition of walking through the lights.
“We’ve done this now for four years,” Leslie Greer said, who first came because she teaches at a nearby school. “We started coming as a family tradition.”
“I work for the company and I have been coming every year. I love it,” Clarence Henry said. He and grandson Bryson wore matching ‘Happy Holidays’ printed face masks. “We wanted to get out of the house.”
Light displays sparkled, shined, and delighted young and old alike. Attendees said they needed this sense of normalcy as the holidays approach.
“It’s the first year for my two youngest to come. I wanted to see the lights in my kids’ eyes and start the holiday season off right, since this year has been hectic,” Krista Driggers of Moncks Corner said.
“The lights were amazing. It was a great event to get out, see lights, and stay socially distant,” Brooke Tindal of Moncks Corner said.
The Santee Canal at Old Santee Canal Park touts itself as the nation’s first canal, being completed in 1800. The Park will open to the public for the driving tour from November 27 – December 30 (Closed Dec. 24-25), from 6-9 p.m. Enter at 1 Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner. The cost is $5 per vehicle.
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