Fall celebrations bring ‘sense of normalcy’ to many in CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Businesses and the CSRA community is expressing the excitement as it seems like people are finally able to enjoy the fall season.

Local businesses say after nearly four weeks of uncertainty, it feels good to be able to think about the leaves falling and the colors changing.

Dozens of craft and food vendors were setting up on Friday in anticipation of one of North Augusta’s largest fall events.

The Jack O’Lantern Jubilee is one of the largest Halloween events in our area, and the best part is it’s free to attend.

Some didn’t think it would be possible.

“I’m excited to, you know, bring back some normalcy and see people walking downtown,” said Tori Pinner, manager of Shoppe3130.

North Augusta Tourism and Marketing Coordinator Jennifer Goldman said: “So, I think that kind of pushed us to be like, they need this. Everyone needs this.”

Local group helps clean up debris from veterans’ homes

Many of you may have a pile of debris sitting in front of your home, waiting for it to be picked up. But some may not be able to collect it and set it aside for the city.

Each year, Jack O’Lantern Jubilee brings thousands to North Augusta.

North Augusta Director of Parks and Recreation Rick Meyer said: “It’s a gift to our people.”

Shops around North Augusta say the jubilee will be a boost for them after some losing a significant amount of business.

“We weren’t impacted as much. But for other local businesses down here, I know they were hurt tremendously, not being able to be open, people having to spend extra money,” said Harville. “I know for them, having all these people come into town and really put eyes on their business and be able to do some shopping, it’s going to impact them greatly.”

After a month of grieving and cleaning, you might say this is a welcome sight.

“We want to say, ‘Hey, walk away from that for a for a day or two, and come downtown and let us put some joy in your life,’” said Meyer.

Between the music, food and crafts, there’s’ something for everyone.

Goldman said: “This is kind of represents that little bit for North Augusta. I just think this is something that everybody really, really needs, and I know they’re looking forward to it.”

Toys for Tots helps provide Christmas for kids

The end of the year is creeping up on us, and some organizations are already looking on to Christmas.

Meyer said: “We need to go forward with this because we need to return to our community that sense of normalcy to say, ‘Hey, you know what? We made it through this. Everything’s gonna be all right.’ It’s one day at a time. It’s one week at a time. But let’s move forward.”

North Augusta city leaders are anticipating up to 20,000 people over the weekend.

Across the river in Grovetown, Steed’s Dairy is doing what it can to bring people out after taking damage to its corn maze and pumpkin patch.

“Luckily for us, it didn’t do that much damage. I mean, we still got delayed two weeks of our season, and we only do an eight-week season, so it kind of hurt us money-wise, but we’re still here,” said Jim Steed, owner of Steed’s Dairy.

The fall celebrations are a breath of fresh air for the community, working to bring the Palmetto and Peach state back together.

“Just getting back to normal, and that’s what you want to see. And you see a lot of people out here. They’re not thinking about what happened during the storm while they’re out here,” said Steed.