By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Columbiana is a small town with a big heart; a Mayberry in the 21st century. Thanksgiving to the New Year is always a whirlwind time of fun, family and holiday events in Columbiana.

The 2011 holiday season kicks off with the Christmas Parade at a new date and time: Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “Christmas Gathering in Columbiana.” Come visit Columbiana. It looks magical at night, all aglow with Christmas lights and decorations.

Columbiana’s Open House is Friday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during which shops will offer refreshments and great deals. Please shop Columbiana and keep our money at home for our community needs!

Saturday, Dec. 3, is also the Columbiana Tour of Homes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual fundraiser is sponsored by the Columbiana Beautification Board, and proceeds are used for projects in the city. Past projects include the town murals as well as the welcome signs to Columbiana. Tickets are $10 in advance at Busy Hands and Dr. Stancil Handley’s office, both on Main Street for $12 at the door on the day of tour.

Homes on the tour are: Joan and Milton Pointer, 1560 Shelby County 30; Cindy Kelly, 1150 Chelsea Road; Julie and Corley Ellis, 315 Thompson St.; Leigh and Rick Williams, 317 Shelby County 47 South; and Brandy and Zac Kellis, 1208 Shelby County 5.

Also on Dec. 3 is the Third Annual Artist Market at the Shelby County Arts Council building, 104 Mildred St. More than 20 SCAC artists will have their one-of-a-kind art works on display and for sale for unique holiday shopping from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Pottery, jewelry, watercolors, clothing accessories and oil and acrylic paintings will be on sale.

The following weekend is Children’s Shopping Day. Children can sign up from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the SCAC building on Mildred and shop in town with a Shelby County High School student guide. Merchants will have tables of goodies for the children to purchase presents for their loved ones at an affordable price. The children will visit Santa at Dr. Handley’s office on Main Street from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. That evening is the Lay Lake Christmas Parade, which begins at 5:15 p.m. starting at Beeswax Creek Park. The parade features boats decorated with lights and music, a delight to see. The following Saturday, Dec. 17, is the Columbiana Naughty or Nice Christmas Shopping Day.

There is plenty to do whatever your age this holiday season in Columbiana.

 

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by email at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.