For Canton Tourism director Joann Gordon, it’s the look on the faces of the people who come to the Square in Canton each Christmas that keeps her going.
The City of Canton is once again fully illuminated for the holidays. Known as the City of Lights, Canton certainly lives up to the name this time of year. The city has a true town square, with a picturesque courthouse set right in the middle. Historic buildings line the square, all outlined in bright lights.
Over the years, the lights have spread onto the grounds of the old courthouse, and a month-long festival draws visitors from all over the state. For Canton Tourism director Joann Gordon, it’s the look on the faces of the people who come to the Square in Canton each year that keeps her going.
“Their faces light up brighter than the thousands of lights that illuminate the Square with a magical glow each Christmas.”
Gordon is on her second stint in the position after retiring in 2015. She still has a deep passion for Canton and for drawing tourists to the historic town.
“There are many reasons I believe people should come to Canton,” she says. “We are the original City of Lights, and we are truly a preservation setting. People can come to spend the holidays in a little community that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We started our lighting program as a way to highlight our city’s architecture and beauty.”
The Canton Christmas Festival began in a small way back in 1987.
“We put a blow-up snowman in the gazebo on the grounds of the Courthouse,” Gordon recalls. “That was before we even had a tourism bureau. It was done through the Canton Redevelopment Authority.”
Over the years the lights on Canton’s Square truly turned into a destination event.
“This is an event that is built on family tradition,” says Gordon. “We want generation after generation to come back. We now see four generations come to the event. Families love to come out and see the lights on the Square. It’s an opportunity to spend time together – spend an evening together away from technology and just enjoy life. It takes people back to a simpler time, and it never gets old.”
What really touches Gordon’s heart is the excitement she sees on children’s faces. “For some, this is as close to Disney World as they will ever come.”
She says that families can come for the evening and not spend a dime. “There are a few things that cost money, but very little. We purposely keep the cost low so people will be able to enjoy it.”
New this year to the Festival are additional light displays with walk-throughs and photo opportunities. “There is a beautiful new garland on the Courthouse fence that will be absolutely electric when it’s lit up.”
Also new this year is Santa’s Cookie Stop. Located on the northeast corner of the Square, the Cookie Stop will provide a place for people to sit down and enjoy fresh cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee.
“Since Canton is the movie capital of the state, there will be a movie theme,” Gordon explains. “We’ll have two favorite Christmas movies playing inside.”
The popular Animation Museum will be back again this year, with exciting Christmas scenes. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos, and Mrs. Claus will be telling stories on the Square each night.
Visitors can enjoy the horse and buggy rides around the Square or ride the train or fire truck. “We are continually trying to increase our interactive activities,” says Gordon.
One of the most heartwarming exhibits will be Santa’s Snow Village.
“It has the most beautiful story,” Gordon says. “What started as a tiny Christmas village collection of small houses and buildings is now a sprawling metropolis of over 300 pieces.”
Dorothy Raper was taken with the miniature lighted buildings when she saw them in a Hallmark store in Grenada one Christmas. Her passion for the buildings was shared by her grandson, Neal Marlow, who continued to add to his grandmother’s collection. Setting up the village became an annual labor of love. It became part of the family’s Christmas tradition for nearly 20 years. Dorothy never grew tired of the excitement of the village. Now Neal is setting the village up in Canton in his grandmother’s memory, and to share its beauty with all who come to the Canton Christmas Festival.
The festival runs through 23, from 5 pm to 9 pm nightly.
