‘Whoville’ Christmas planned for Andy

Published 12:00 am Friday, September 20, 2013

There’s a crispness in the air, and that means the holidays will soon be upon us.

In Andalusia, the Tourism and Relocation Committee are already planning on how the city will celebrate Christmas, and the public and business owners are being encouraged to begin their planning now, as well.

“The T&R committee is helping to promote a Who-ville Christmas in Andalusia,” said city grants coordinator Barbara Tyler. “The parade theme this year is ‘Who-ville,’ and we are asking the businesses and community members to help create a ‘Who-ville-like’ atmosphere when decorating for Christmas and the parade.

“Right now, we’d like to let the community know we are gearing-up for a Who-ville Christmas, and it will be great fun if everyone gets their creative juices flowing to come up with a costume – the hats are the best – or special decoration and join in the festivities,” she said.

For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, “Who-ville” is ficticious city featured in “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch that Stole Christmas.”

Tyler said the city is also working on ideas to promote shopping at local stores during the holidays.

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The T&R committee is planning several showings of The Grinch at the city hall auditorium on Saturdays, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. Each school-age child will be admitted free as long as they have a valid receipt from a local store dated between Nov. 29 and Dec. 14, 2013.

“We’re also working on a lot of other ideas to get residents and area merchants in the holiday spirit,” Tyler said. “Another idea is to have a scavenger hunt involving local stores. Not all ideas have been completely worked out.”

Tyler said there will be additional committee meetings in the future, and businesses can contact city hall with questions.

“We plan to create a few Who-ville characters to place in the front windows of local businesses, and we’re working on some ideas for added ‘Who-ville-like’ decorations,” she said. “And I’ve been told we’ll have a couple of special guests in costume the night of the Christmas parade, too.”

This year’s Christmas events will be held on Thurs., Dec. 5, with the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and the parade at 7 p.m.