The Devine Street Merchants Association will kick off the season with A Devine Evening on Friday December 4 from 5–9 pm. This annual holiday open house includes tons of entertainment for the whole family. Whether it is visiting Santa and his elf, watching skilled balloon artists, listening to some holiday cheer from groups such as the Sandlapper Singers or Palmetto Pipeband, or strolling the candlelit street and shopping for all your holiday needs at the local merchants, there is something for everyone. The Mayor Coble’s final Tree Lighting Ceremony will be at 6 pm at the Historic Devine Street Fire Station.

Devine Street will be blocked from 4 pm till 9:30 pm on the night of the event from the corner of Devine and Woodrow Street to right before the fire house at the corner of Devine and Holly Street. “We have really tried to go above and beyond this year, and really give back to community with this great event,” say Michael Arket, event coordinator. “With the economy being down, our local merchants realize holiday spending will be tough for most people, but we really wanted to give back to the community this year, especially since the community has done so much to support our local merchants in the past. It seems like this is as good a time as any to show our appreciation with this event.”

Join the merchants again on Saturday, December 4 from 12–5pm for more holiday family fun, including entertainment from the Tony Lee Trio and skilled balloon artists. Bring the kids out for a special Santa’s Workshop from 12–5 pm held at the Whitney Hotel, where kids can decorate their own ceramic ornaments and make stockings and hats. Carriage rides will be available from Devine Street to Five Points from 1–6 pm.

The Devine Street merchants also welcome out of town guests with special room rates at the Whitney Hotel. “We receive hundreds of people who travel from out of town for this event, spend time shopping at all the great boutiques Columbia has to offer, and eating at local restaurants.
List of Devine Celebrations
Events Friday December 4, 2009
• Tree Lightning at 6 pm at the Devine Street Fire
Station
• Performances by Palmetto Pipe Band
• Sandlapper Singers
• Tony Lee Trio
• Lutheran Church Choir
• Balloon Artists
• Carriage Rides On Devine Street
• Live Music from Slap Wore Out and Wine Tasting at
Bohemian Home
• Themed Holiday Party at HoFP Gallery
• Holiday Party with Local Musicians at Home
Advantage
• Local Art Show & Local Film Premier Trailer at
Devine Eyes
• Grilled Southern Specialties at Simply Savory
• New Cantina 76 – $1 Wine & Margaritas
Saturday December 5th, 2009
• Santa’s Workshop at the Whitney Hotel
• Live Music By Tony Lee Trio
• Carriage Rides From Devine Street To Five Points -
• Balloon Artist
• Trunk Show at HoFP Gallery
www.doorsofdevine.net
803-201-2690