​The weather was perfect, and the spirits were high as the Greensboro community gathered together to light the Community Christmas Tree, officially kicking off the holiday season.
Friday, December 4, Santa and his elves arrived in Downtown Greensboro on a big red tractor driven by Ray Foster. He was surrounded by a parade of children who were eager to visit with him and to give him their list.  Little Scholars Academy kicked off the evening by performing holiday favorites. The cute little Angels performed holiday favorites to a large crowd. 
Area choirs provided live music for the evening as young and old took part in the singing of Christmas carols.  After Little Scholars Academy performed, Pete Nance Boys & Girls club sang some holiday favorites that they will present to their parents this month. Next, Mayor Glenn Wright welcomed everyone to Greensboro, thanked the Webb Family for donating the beautiful tree and did the famous “Christmas Countdown” to light the big tree. The Countdown began and the Cypress was lit with hundreds of old-fashioned red, green, and white lights as the crowd applauded!
The ladies of the Eatonton Harmonettes took the stage and wowed the audience as they sang O-Holy Night as the tree was being lit. Up next was a collection of dancers from the Southern Spice Dance Academy. These tiny dancers pranced on the stage to Ruldolph the Red Nose Raindeer and other holidy tunes.
By far, the most popular visitor to downtown Greensboro was none other than Santa Claus himself!  Children lined up to visit Santa as he received guests in Santa’s Workshop in Downtown Greensboro. Santa graciously took Christmas lists and heard holiday wishes from both young and old.  Santa shared that all is well in the North Pole.  His elves are busy working to make gifts for children all over the world – but, especially, for the boys and girls of our area!
Santa reports that as always the children of Greene County were well-behaved.  “I heard lots of pleases and thank-yous from my visitors,” Santa said.  “I’m sure that with such polite manners and good behavior that I’ll be bringing a sleigh-load of toys to Greene County when I return in a few weeks.”
After a visit with Santa, children stopped by the craft tent to make their very own Christmas ornament from Greensboro First United Methodist Church. Other vendors for the evening included a bounce house by the Greene County Beta Club, Liberty United Methodist Church, Greensboro Fire Department, Cakes for any Occasion, Delicious Baked Goods, Calligraphy by Claire, Hay Rides by Ray Foster and Family, Knight of Columbus with hot cider and cocoa, and Washington Grass Inn at the Christmas Cafe.
Remember to support your local businesses this holiday season!  The downtown merchants will have extended business hours on Friday and Saturdays until Christmas and they are more than able to help you find the perfect Christmas gift.  Be sure to check out the unique selection of clothing, hand made gifts, local art, special holiday items, and more that are available at the shops of downtown Greensboro.

​Downtown Greensboro Prepares to light the Big Tree
 
(Greensboro, Ga. --- November 27, 2015)  Downtown Greensboro will light the Big Tree this Friday, December 4.  The event is Greensboro’s official kick off for the holiday season and will take place from 6 to 8 pm. 
Bring the whole family for an evening of music, food, holiday fun, shopping, and of course Santa in downtown Greensboro. It is rumored that Santa will arrive on a big red tractor this year…instead of his sleigh; so children, get your wish lists ready and be sure to be in historic downtown Greensboro when he arrives at 6 pm.  Santa will be available on North Main Street, and parents get your camera’s ready to snap that perfect picture!
Activities for the children include visiting the craft tent on Main Street in front of the Court House where they can make a Christmas Ornament for their trees at home, or take a tractor pulled hay ride around town.
Come for dinner at the event!  Find a warm, cozy booth at one of Greensboro’s downtown restaurants, visit the Washington Grass Inn’s Christmas Café under the big tent in North Main Street for homemade soup and barbeque “sammies”. Stay warm with a cup of hot apple cider prepared by the Knights of Columbus.
Be sure to visit the craft vendors and pick up a holiday gift for a loved one. New items this year include gingerbread houses, calligraphy items and of course baked goodies!
Christmas carolers and community churches will be singing favorite holiday tunes on stage in front of the Court House lawn. Beginning at 6pm, the Little Scholars Academy will perform a few holiday favorites with the little one’s dressed in Angel costumes. Around 6:30pm, the Pete Nance Boys & Girls club will perform some holiday cheer. Then at 7pm, the Honorable Mayor Glenn Wright will welcome the Webb family to the stage to thank them for donating their tree for the Courthouse lawn. Then the Mayor will lead everyone in the countdown to light the tree. Up next will be The Eatonton Harmonttes performing all of your favorite Christmas songs. And last, but not least, the Southern Spice Dance Academy will perform dance number to get you in the holiday spirit.  It is not too late to for other church choirs or singing groups to join in the fun.  Groups that are interested in performing downtown during the event should contact the Kendrick Ward in the Greensboro Main Street office at (706) 453-7674. 

Greensboro begins preparations for holiday season celebrations
 
(Greensboro, Ga. – November 13, 2015)  There are only five weeks until Christmas, and Downtown Greensboro is already working to help you and your family enjoy the holidays in your hometown! 
The Downtown Tree Lighting celebration will start at 6pm on Friday, December 4.  Mark your calendars!  Santa will be available for children to visit, there will be an old-fashioned hayride through town for one dollar, and your favorite holiday tunes sung ‘round the tree! 

Local organizations and non-profits can participate in the event by offering winter goodies such as hot chocolate, baked goods, or other holiday favorites. A few local groups have already signed up to participate in the tree lighting. These groups include; The Knights of Columbus, Liberty Methodist Church, Calligraphy by Claire, and more. Choirs and choral groups are invited to carol the historic downtown throughout the evening.  To register your organization, please contact the Main Street office at (706) 453-7674.

Greensboro has chosen its Christmas Tree! After an appeal to the community for just the right tree, the Greensboro Main Street program announces that the city’s official Christmas Tree will be donated by the Webb Family.

 “In the past, Greensboro has been fortunate to have a tree donated from someone in the community,” explains Main Street Manager, Kendrick Ward.  “The tree serves as the centerpiece for all of our holiday activities in downtown and helps to create a festive mood during the holiday shopping season.” 

Greensboro’s friendly merchants are ready to help you get all of your holiday shopping done this season – without the hectic traffic and crowds of your typical shopping mall.  Shoppers can take advantage of extended holiday shopping hours on Friday and Saturday evenings from now and continuing through December 23.

​Keep an eye on your local news for additional details as Greensboro’s Holiday Plans progress and don’t forget to Shop Greensboro First this holiday season!

​Greensboro Selects Christmas Tree
 
(Greensboro, Ga. – November 21, 2014)  Greensboro has chosen its Christmas Tree!
After an appeal to the community for just the right tree, the Greensboro Main Street program announces that the city’s official Christmas Tree will be donated by the Webb family in memory of their son, Jeffery Lynn Webb.
“Mrs. Mildred Webb called to tell us that she had tree she would like to donate,” explains Kendrick Ward, Greensboro Main Street Manager.   “Mrs. Webb’s told us her tree was planted 19 years ago and their Leyland Cypress will make a wonderful Christmas tree for all of Greene County to enjoy this holiday season”. 
City workers will deliver the tree to the Court House lawn the week after Thanksgiving where it will be decorated in time for the downtown tree lighting.   The tree lighting celebration will take place on the Courthouse lawn from 6-8 pm on Friday, December 4.
There will be an old-fashioned hayride for one dollar through town, and your favorite holiday tunes sung ‘round the tree!  Greensboro’s Tree Lighting event is a family favorite for the Lake Oconee area with an evening of music, food, holiday fun, and of course Santa!
The City of Greensboro reports that they have received a special request from the North Pole for a tractor pulled hay ride escort the evening of the tree lighting.  City officials can only imagine that the escort must be for Santa himself!  “We figure with the lack of snow in Greensboro that Santa’s sleigh just wouldn’t be able to make the trip into town,” comments an anonymous city employee.  Children, be sure to be in historic downtown Greensboro when Santa makes his entrance at 6 pm.

Greensboro readies for Trick or Treat and the Christmas Season
 
Fall is here, the holidays are near, and Greensboro is busy preparing for plenty of excitement over the next few months in Lake Oconee’s Hometown.   

Just around the corner is the annual Downtown Trick or Treat from 5-7 pm on October 29.  Downtown Trick or Treat provides families with a safe environment to participate in the tradition of Trick or Treat.  The event is made possible by the participation of generous downtown Greensboro merchants.  Be sure to stop in for treats and goodies for children age twelve and under.
Soon after the cornstalks are removed, Greensboro will decorate with garland and lights since there are only a few weeks until Christmas.  Downtown Greensboro is already working to help you and your family enjoys the holidays in your hometown! 

The downtown businesses will kick off the season with the Merchant’s Holiday Open House on November 14.  Get a head start on your shopping in Lake Oconee’s Hometown. Expect to find complimentary gift-wrap, hot cider, and other surprises to make your shopping experience more enjoyable. You will not want to miss the great items our local stores will have to share.
Don’t miss Small Business Saturday on November 28 in Downtown Greensboro. Local merchants have partnered with American Express to promote shopping local. Make sure to shop early to get your Shop Small bag.

The Lighting of the Tree celebration will take place from 6-8 pm on the evening of Friday, December 4.  Mark your calendars!  Santa will be available for children to visit, there will be an old-fashioned hay ride through town, and your favorite holiday tunes will be sung ‘round the tree!  Come early and enjoy dinner from D’Lish Bistro or The Yesterday Cafe while local choirs and choral groups preform throughout the evening.

Local organizations and non-profits are invited to participate in the event by offering winter goodies such as hot chocolate, baked goods, or other holiday favorites.  Choirs and choral groups are invited to carol the historic downtown throughout the evening.  To register your organization, please contact the Main Street office at (706) 453-7674.

​Downtown Greensboro invites you to join us for fun and excitement in Lake Oconee’s Hometown throughout the fall and holiday seasons.  For more information about downtown Greensboro or for upcoming event information visit www.GreensboroHoliday.com. 

Greensboro Prepares for a Fun Time
 
(Greensboro, Ga. – October 8, 2015)  Kids and their families who are searching for a fun place to take part in the tradition of Trick or Treat can look to downtown Greensboro for a hauntingly good time!
Downtown Trick or Treat will take place from 5-7 pm on Thursday, October 29 in historic downtown Greensboro.  Many of Greensboro’s downtown merchants are ready to open their doors to children for the evening to help provide our community with a safe place to take part in the tradition of trick or treating.  Downtown store fronts and windows are decorated for the season and the merchants are ready for a scare as more than five hundred costumed Treat or Treaters are expected in downtown during the event.
Treaters should begin their evening with a visit to the Trick-or-Treat check-in tent on the courthouse lawn.  They will be given a free trick or treat bag, a treat and a list of participating businesses.  From there, children can head out to participating businesses for a treat and maybe a scare – as many merchants will be wearing costumes of their own! 
Downtown Trick or Treat is for children ages twelve and under.  Parents please escort your children to ensure a safe and fun time for all!  While you’re in town Mom and Dad, be sure to check out the unique shopping that downtown Greensboro has to offer.
Downtown Trick or Treat provides an opportunity for the downtown community to thank all of Greensboro for their patronage throughout the year.  For more information about Downtown Trick or Treat visit www.DowntownGreensboroGA.com
​

​(October 8, 2015 – Greensboro, GA)   The City of Greensboro has received a 2015 Redevelopment Fund grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which administers the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Greensboro was one of 79 Georgia communities awarded this year.
 
“Strong, vibrant communities help attract companies to the state,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “The projects funded by this program will enhance the quality of life for Georgians while supporting job growth and economic development. By leveraging this funding with private investment and local funds, small and rural communities are able to maximize the opportunities afforded by the CDBG program and strengthen the foundation for a prosperous business climate."


The grant funds will be allocated to the Greensboro Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and provided as a low-interest loan to Lake Country Brewing.  As loan payments are made back to the DDA, the funds may be used to make additional low-interest loans to future business start-ups in the downtown.  Lake Country Brewing will occupy the former Chero Cola building on West Street near the city’s old train depot. 
 
The grant award was presented to the city by DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles in a ceremony hosted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in Jekyll Island, Ga., on September 11.  The award was accepted on behalf of the city by Larry Postell, City Manager and Cail Hammons, Community Development Director and on behalf of Lake Country Brewing by John and Nathan McGarity.

Sixty-six Georgia communities received almost $31.9 million in CDBG funds for infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, and centers that will serve Georgia’s neediest citizens. In addition, $5.5 million in CDBG Employment Incentive Program (EIP) and Redevelopment Fund (RDF) funding was awarded to 13 Georgia communities to invest in economic development and redevelopment projects that are creating 640 jobs and more than $199 million in private investment.
 

Dalton, Greensboro, Lithonia, Pembroke and Roswell complete 3-year program
which helps communities address housing needs

​(ATLANTA – 10/14/15)  – Local leaders from the cities of Dalton, Greensboro, Lithonia, Pembroke and Roswell were recognized for their communities’ completion of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program at a retreat and awards presentation held Sept. 22-24 in Tifton. Ten additional Georgia communities are set to complete the program by 2017.
 
The 2015 GICH awards were presented by Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Deputy Commissioner for Housing Carmen Chubb, University of Georgia (UGA) Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach Associate Vice President Steve Dempsey, Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) Executive Deputy Director Bill Thornton, Georgia Power Company Community and Economic Development Senior Urban Advisor Steve Foster, and UGA Archway Partnership Operations Coordinator Sue Chapman.
 
Launched in 2004, GICH helps communities improve their quality of life and economic vitality through the development of housing and revitalization strategies. GICH offers communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance. During a community’s participation, team members work to create and launch a locally-based plan to meet local housing needs. GICH grew out of Georgia’s experience with the National League of Cities’ Affordable Housing Program. 
 
DCA, along with GMA and UGA’s Housing and Demographics Research Center (HDRC), serve as GICH’s primary partners. The program is funded by Georgia Power and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development through a Rural Community Development Initiative grant. The Georgia Electric Membership Corporation serves as GICH’s implementation partner.



Ten more Georgia communities pick GICH’s expertise to address local housing needs
 
Other communities throughout Georgia have also been quick to recognize the GICH’s value. The cities of Albany, Douglasville, Perry, Porterdale and Rincon were accepted into the program in 2013 and are scheduled to complete the program in 2016.


The communities of Cedartown, Liberty County, Madison, Pine Mountain and Trion were added to the program class of 2014 and are set to satisfy the requirements of the program in 2017.


GICH accepts applications from prospective program participants each year in early September.  For additional information about GICH, contact Program Director Karen Tinsley at 706-542-4949 or klt@uga.edu or visit http://www.fcs.uga.edu/hace/hdrc/gich/index.html.   

​Cruise In to Greensboro this Weekend!
 
Don’t Miss the Rock n’ Roll Days Cruise-In on Saturday, September 19 from 4-8 pm  
 
(Greensboro, Ga. --- September 14, 2015)   Downtown Greensboro will venture back in time as classic cars line North Main Street on Saturday, September 20 from 4-8pm at the Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In. The free event will feature over 100 classic and antique cars and entertainment by Blind Driver band from Greene County, Georgia.  
            The Annual Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In event is sponsored by Jimmy Britt Chevrolet- Buick-GMC dealership of Greensboro and hosted by Greensboro based Georgia Classic Cruiser Car Club and the Greensboro Main Street program.
            “The Rock n’ Roll Cruise-In is on the best events in downtown Greensboro,” states John Smith, Georgia Classic Cruiser member. “This event brings thousands of people to town and I’m glad our local car dealership, Jimmy Britt, is such a huge supporter of this event and our car club.”
For car enthusiast, the event will feature antique, classic, vintage, street rods and special interest cars.  In addition, the event boasts live music from Blind Driver, dancing, shopping, restaurant specials, and food concessions to enhance the street-side Cruise-In.
Registration fee for the vehicles is still only $15.00.  The top 25 awards are sponsored again this year by Jimmy Britt Chevrolet-Buick-GMC in Greensboro.
Wear your party hat and dancing shoes, as you will enjoy the sounds of Blind Driver. The band will play all your favorites from Motown, Beach, Soul and of course the 50’s, 60’s and more!
            The shops of downtown Greensboro will be open late and ready to meet the scores of visitors in town for the Cruise-In.  Many shops will have window décor especially for the event!  Diners at the Yesterday Café will step back in time as they will be waited upon by a host of pink ladies, girls in poodle skirts and boys wearing saddle oxfords.
“I remember when…” is the talk of the night and stories will be swapped by friends, new friends and family alike as the thousands attending the event enjoy a true Southern gathering in this historic rural hometown!