Lake Waccamaw will be decking the halls, but that’s not all, and it was only the November meeting Tuesday night. Town leaders approved a contract with the Columbus County Sheriff’s APS, discussed the bike and pedestrian plan, and announced dates for the annual tree lighting ceremony and parade. Local crafters were given permission to hold a small Christmas market, and Representative Brenden Jones was even on hand as Lake Waccamaw thanked him for his help in securing grants for the town.
The public comment session at the beginning of the meeting yielded great results for artisans in the area wanting to peddle their wares for the holidays. Don Delisle asked Mayor Matt Wilson and commissioners for their approval to allow Lake Waccamaw crafters to set up and sell items after the Christmas parade on Dec. 2. The request was approved, but with guidelines in place to adhere to town policies. Participants for the market must be Lake Waccamaw residents, and those who set up on property other than Elizabeth Brinkley Park must have permission from the landowner to do so. Delisle posted on social media shortly after the meeting that planning for the bazaar will begin in the very near future.
Representative Brenden Jones was an honored guest at the Town Hall meeting last night for bringing some much needed funds to the area. About $9 million was granted to the municipality for improvements with his help.
“We would like to recognize him for what he’s done for the town of Lake Waccamaw. We’ve received the most money this year than what we have ever received,” said Wilson.
Another proposal will also improve some aspects for the town. The board approved a contract with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Animal Protective Services to provide mutual aid for strays and other creatures on the loose in city limits. The interlocal agreement will cover the capture of at large animals, rabid animals, rabies testing, and the inhumane treatment of any animal in Lake Waccamaw. The contract comes after two months of negotiations between the town and the county agency.
The Lake Waccamaw bike and pedestrian plan is in its final stages for the municipality. Town Manager Damon Kempski handed out copies of the nearly 100-page project for the board to look over until December’s meeting.
In 2021, the town was granted $45,000 by the N.C. DOT to have the study done to map out bike paths and sidewalks in area. A steering committee has been working with the Cape Fear Council of Governments on suggestions on how to make roadways safe and user friendly.
“It’s all about making commuters and other vehicles aware that those areas are being used for walking and biking,” said Kempski.
Lake Waccamaw will host ‘Christmas by the Lake’ starting at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1. The annual candlelight walk will start at Town Hall and lead up to the town’s Christmas Tree. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Grab your Santa hats, blankets, and chairs and head to Lake Shore Drive on Saturday morning on Dec. 2. The Christmas parade will begin at 10 a.m.
