NEWS - Retail & Shopping Centers

SBJ Staff Report

Nov 28, 2011 – The Savannah Waterfront Association has planned two days of holiday celebration on historic River Street – from a plaza full of artisans and crafters offering unique, one-of-a-kind shopping to fireworks and a parage.

Wet Willie’s is sponsoring the First Friday Fireworks exploding over the Savannah River at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 2.

On Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, from 9am until 8pm on Saturday, there will be food concessions by A&D Concessions for some holiday inspired food to complement the area’s 100 shops, restaurants and pubs.

DJ’s-to-Go will fill the air with holiday music, including performances by the Coastal Performing Arts Academy, Marylin Youman’s School of Dance, CC Express Cloggers, The Gretchen Greene Dancers and more.

The Savannah Lighted Christmas Parade starts on west River Street at 5:30pm and then meanders throughout downtown via Bay, Abercorn, Broughton and Montgomery Streets, ending at Ellis Square. Savannah’s streetcar, “dottie”, will lead off the parade that has over 40 units, nearly 600 walkers and marks the official arrival of Santa Claus himself in a horse drawn carriage, according to Kenny Hill, director. The 2011 Parade Grand Marshal will be the Honorable Mayor Otis S. Johnson.

Other attractions for local residents and tourists include the tall ship Peacemaker near the Barnard Street Ramp and a glimpse of the USS Normandy (CG 60), interactive games to thrill children of all ages, and Verizon Wireless will be on site with give-aways. A number of  Savannah area non-profit organizations will also have stands to talk with attendees about their organizations and solicit contributions.

The Westin First Friday Oyster Roast will be Dec. 2 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. with fireworks at approximately 9:30 PM. This monthly event features a traditional Low-country Oyster Roast and entertainment all situated in the resort setting with great views of downtown Savannah. The hotel offers free parking or free ferry service to the island from River Street.

This week’s First Friday is sponsored by Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributing and is hosted by Wet Willie’s, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo and Clear Channel Radio.

The Savannah Waterfront Association d/b/a Savannah Riverfront promotes the eclectic vitality of the shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels in the area. The SWA is a 501 (c)(3) private organization whose mission is to promote, preserve and enhance the historic character and productive use of the Savannah riverfront community for all to enjoy.