If you don’t feel proud to live in Andalusia, drive downtown.

The Court Square – a cherished focal point on its worst day – is being transformed into a magical Candyland, and will be the site of Snow Shows beginning this weekend.

Nine businesses or organizations have produced playhouses designed to stimulate imaginative play for children. They range from Andalusia Regional Hospital’s Doc McStuffins to Taylor Linens’ delivery truck, complete with bubble machine.

The houses will be open for playing for two hours each on Fridays (5 until 7 p.m. with snow at 6 p.m.), Saturdays (11 a.m. until 1 p.m., which snow at noon); and Sundays (1 p.m. until 3 p.m., with snow at 2 p.m.) this month.

And then, there will be snow. Children in local elementary schools are already buzzing about the coming storms.

All of this is the brainchild of Chamber Executive Director Chrissie Duffy, and is designed as both a point of community pride and to draw people to Andalusia and stimulate retail activity. It appears her plan will succeed in a large way.

Kudos not just to Duffy, but also to the businesses and organizations who have stepped up to construct houses. The adorable creations on the Square represent countless hours of work. The City of Andalusia has partnered with the Chamber in this venture, and city employees have gone beyond the call of duty.

The finishing touches will be added today, and the first official event is the lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by the parade at 7 p.m. The final house, which is to be raffled, will be a part of the parade, as will a small snow show.

We thank all of those who have made this possible, and encourage local residents to spread the word to friends, especially those who might bring children to play.

Residents of Candyland should be more than proud this season.