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Published Wednesday, November 26, 2008 in Local

Santa arrives on square Friday

By Jeff Bishop

The Times-Herald

Santa Claus will come to town on Newnan's North Court Square at 6 p.m. on Friday -- kicking off a week of Christmas celebration.

"This year we have called on the Main Street Express to celebrate Santa's Arrival on the Square!" said Linda Kee, Main Street director.

The Express Ticket Booth will be set up at 4:30 p.m. on the square and will begin assigning 30-minute time slots between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., she said.

"The first 50 people to register at the Main Street Express booth will receive a free gift," she said.

The Main Street Express means parents and children won't have to wait in line this year in the unusually cold weather to see Santa.

"Come early and enjoy downtown shopping, dinner with family and holiday entertainment," Kee said.

Registration is free. Santa will arrive on his antique fire truck and move to his new "throne" that will "be surrounded by nutcrackers," Kee said.

"We will be providing a photographer that will be taking pictures that parents can purchase online," she said.

"You better watch out! You better not cry! You better not pout! Santa Claus is coming to town!" she said.

Children are encouraged to bring their Christmas lists and wishes, she said.

"Newnan is beautiful during the holiday season," said Kee, "and the arrival of Santa has been a long tradition for the city."

This year, even with the all the construction going on at the Coweta County Courthouse, downtown Main Street has added many holiday decorations geared toward children "so they can remember growing up how beautiful their hometown looked" at Christmas, Kee said.

"All the wreaths and garland are hung, and the lights will be on," she said. "Most merchants will have holiday displays, and there's a festive mood in downtown.

"We are all anticipating Santa's arrival so we will all know the holiday season is officially here," said Kee.

The Christmas cheer continues downtown as Main Street Newnan holds its "Heartbeat of the Holidays Christmas Parade" the following weekend on Dec. 7, 3 p.m. in downtown Newnan. Check online at www.mainstreetnewnan.com for details and entry information, or e-mail Linda Bridges-Kee at lbridges@cityofnewnan.org or Main Street Coordinator Ashley Chalker achalker@cityofnewnan.org, or call the Main Street program office, 770-253-8283. Even more holiday fun is in store with the second annual Festival of Lights Dec. 19-20 with a night-time parade Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.

Santa also makes a visit to Ashley Park for a tree lighting celebration Saturday starting at 5 p.m. At the center on Newnan Crossing Bypass at Bullsboro visitors can enjoy music, festive sights and even a performance of "Le Petit Nutcracker" by Southeastern Ballet Company principal dancers and soloists, along with students from Classical Dance Theatre. On Sunday the dance groups perform excerpts from the show at Barnes and Noble at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. A book fair will benefit the non-profit SBC dance company, which is based in Newnan.

SBC performances of its entire production of Le Petit Nutcracker are Dec. 6 and 13 at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. both days at the Classical Dance Theatre studio at 1065 Sullivan Road in Newnan. Tickets are $8, available in advance at CDT studio. For details call 770-252-5515 or visit www.southeasternballetcompany.org .

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