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The people at Lockerly Arboretum put out a call for help several months ago, and Milledgeville most definitely responded.
Supporters quickly began paying for items on Lockerly's "Amazon Wish List," all with the goal of making this holiday's "Lockerly in Lights" the biggest and best yet.
"The response was overwhelming and humbling, just to know that that many people cared," said Jennifer Pollard, who is Lockerly's executive director. "This will allow us to create some new and different displays that we haven't had before."
Shown above is a list of some of the items on Lockerly's "Amazon Wish List" from earlier this year.
"Lockerly in Lights" is a holiday driving tour through the arboretum that made its debut in 2020. Pollard spoke with WMAZ/Channel 13 during the 2020 holiday season...
The momentum then continued to build, and the 2021 version sported dozens of displays and more than 50,000 lights. The centerpiece is always the 258-fo0t "tunnel of lights" that runs alongside the property's pond...
Lockerly in Lights" then took a pause during the 2022 holiday season, as the arboretum essentially was a construction zone with several construction projects happening, mainly a new front parking lot.
With an extra year to think about it, Lockerly leaders decided to mix things up for 2023. Friday, per usual, will be reserved for driving tours, while Saturday nights will be designated for walking tours, with walking tours being a new concept and set to launch this holiday season.
"Super excited about the walking tour," Pollard said. "There will be an additional four acres that will be included as part of the walking tour."
Opening weekend is all set for Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18, which is the week before Thanksgiving. Friday, as aforementioned, will be the driving tour and Saturday the walking tour. "Lockerly in Lights" will continue each Friday and Saturday night until Dec. 23.
This year's "lead financial sponsor" is Fowler Flemister Concrete, while also on board as financial sponsors are:
• Zschimmer & Schwarz, Inc.
• Citizens Bank of the South
• Exchange Bank
• Century Bank and Trust
• Sinclair Reserve Realty
• LAV Plumbing
• Keller Williams Realty, the Kimi Clements Team
