Sweet, angelic voices of the Forest Hills Honors Choir led by Taylor Fussell rang out at the Hanging of the Greens held Sunday, December 8th, 2024 at the Little Library Park. The choir began the ceremony by singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The ceremony was presented by the Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society along with the City of Walterboro, Bay Blossoms Garden Club, and the Mayfield Garden Club.
Rev. Bernard Brown, pastor at St. Peter’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, provided the invocation reminding those present to be thankful for all their blessings. Mayor Bill Young provided the welcome from the City of Walterboro, making all guests feel glad they came. CCHAPS President Debi Gilliam welcomed everyone from the Society and announced this ceremony was the 33rd annual Hanging of the Greens. Walterboro is fortunate to have such strong, important traditions. Watching Mayor Young hang the wreath on the Little Library door was a poignant moment as it is every year. Mayor Young stated it was his honor to be part of the ceremony, and CCHAPS definitely appreciates his participation.
CCHAPS Vice President Ryan Pearson and Director Rick Hawkins read the traditional Hanging of the Greens history originally written by the late, local historian Laura Lynn Hughes. Over the 33 years the history has been read, it has had only minor changes to the narrative. Now, that’s a tradition also!…