Thousands turn out for Christmas tree lighting at Market Common

Thanksgiving is over and so is black Friday and now it’s the Christmas season.

To get the season started, the 2nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Market Common in Myrtle Beach took place Friday night.

It was a lot more than just lighting up the Christmas tree; the event also featured live entertainment put together by the Socastee High School dance team and the Coastal Youth Ballet.

Activities for children included pictures with Santa the Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ Mascot, Splash and Market Common’s shopping fairy. Some visitors even took advantage of the free carriage rides around the shopping center.

“We came here because it’s a gorgeous day to be out here doing this,” said Kathie Reagan who came with her husband and two daughters from Murrells Inlet, “and the tree lighting, a lot of people miss that from the big cities that we lived in like Philadelphia and Washington and this is just great.“

Some families told News 13 that in this tough economy taking part in activities in places such as at the tree lighting ceremony is just one way of doing things with out spending a lot of cash.

“I think a lot of families are not travelling as much…I know my family is long ways away so for us to travel with all four of us could be quite expensive,“ said Lori Buse who came with her husband and 2-year-old twins.

“A big part of what’s nice about coming to this community is because there is a lot here that you don’t have to spend money on to do,” said Alan Fralick who was visiting with his family from Atlanta,” we can just enjoy the beach and we can enjoy hanging out at Market Common and at events like this evening are definitely enjoyable family time.“

Marketing manager Hatton Gravely said close to 5000 people showed up Friday night compared to the 2000 that turned out last year.