More cottages, snow; ice skating and train rides added

A giant piggy bank playhouse, with a curving slide for a tail and an interactive ATM is just one of the new treats in store for children at this year’s Christmas in Candyland, Chamber Executive Director Chrissie Duffy told Andalusia City Council members Tuesday.

CCB Community Bank is building the piggy bank, and there are other new cottages, including a little white church built by Andalusia Full Gospel Tabernacle, a ballet studio constructed by Andalusia Ballet, State-Farm’s two-story house, and a log cabin playhouse, which will be the one on which chances will be sold this year.

Duffy said there will be playhouses on the Square and at Springdale, and that the Candyland event is already drawing enough excitement that a student group from Laurel Hill is making a special field trip.

“We’re getting attention from all over,” she said. “We are excited. We don’t know exactly what to expect, but it turned out great last year, and we believe it will again this year.”

Duffy said the floor has been installed at Springdale for this year’s ice skating rink. Those who wish to skate will have to rent skates to help defray the costs, but train rides will be free.

Mayor Earl Johnson worked to find sponsorships for the engine, three cars, a coal car and an ADA-compliant caboose.

“This is going to be just a great asset for us to have,” Duffy said.

The train also has a public address system, LED lights underneath for nighttime rides, a compressed air whistle, and smoke.

More snow machines have been added, she said.

The event grand opening will be celebrated on Thurs., Dec. 3, with a tree lighting and the Christmas parade, Duffy said, and will be open weekends through Christmas.

Duffy said based on what was learned last year, restroom facilities will be available at the Square and at Springdale, and a vendor will be present at some of the events offering hot chocolate or snow cones, depending upon the weather.

On Friday nights, there will also be Merry Movies on the lawn at Springdale.

In other business, the council:

• abated property for weeds and grasses at:

— 219 Bagley St.

–111 Little St.

— 601 Carlton St.

— 603 Carlton St.

• approved charges for previously abated properties which the city cleaned or repaired. The costs are passed on to property owners through their property taxes.

• agreed to help with the costs for the AHS football team to travel to Munford on charter buses for round three of the AHSAA playoffs.

• Upgraded the fuel system used for all city vehicles at the city barn.

• Replaced the projector in city hall auditorium.