Vista Lights

November 4, 2009

Celebrate the Season at the 24th Annual Vista Lights

COLUMBIA, SC – November 4, 2009 – The 24th annual Vista Lights will ring in the Midlands holiday season with a night of culture, cuisine and artistic performances. Bring your family to the Congaree Vista, Columbia’s arts and entertainment district, as over 60 galleries, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and shops open their doors and offer free hors d’oeuvres and lots of holiday cheer during Vista Lights on Thursday, November 19, from 5 – 10 p.m.

Join Mayor Bob Coble for his final tree-lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Gervais and Lincoln Streets.

“Vista Lights is a wonderful opportunity for the Columbia community to come together and kick off the holiday season,” said Vista Guild Executive Director Deirdre Mardon. “We have a lot of family fun and entertainment planned for this year’s event that will showcase all the Vista has to offer.”

For the first time, shop and business owners will take part in a decoration contest. Visitors can expect the Vista to be full of colorful lights. Bella Vista bridal shop will entertain visitors with a fashion show on Gervais Street.

Visitors can get a head start on their holiday shopping while strolling along the Gervais Street corridor, which will be closed to traffic from Assembly to Gadsden. Lincoln and Park Streets will also close between Senate and Lady.

Park for free in the Vista’s parking decks located on Lincoln Street near Lady, Park Street near Pendleton and Lady Street near Wayne Street. Then enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides beneath the holiday lights. Parking will also be available at the State Museum, with shuttle rides taking visitors to the heart of the Vista. Wine and beer will be for sale to complement the free hors d’oeuvres outside of LongHorn Steakhouse and on Lincoln between Gervais and Lady Streets.

Helping usher in this holiday season:

o    BonBons from the Columbia City Ballet’s The Nutcracker
o    Contemporary dance performances by Unbound
o    Carols from White Knolls High School Choir
o    Magician John Tudor
o    Music from the Eau Claire Trombone Choir and Eau Claire Jazz Band
o    Jump rope champions Double Dutch Forces
o    The U.S. Army Brass Quintet
o    The Bubblin’ Bobcat Chorus from Saluda River Academy