THOMASVILLE — The Saturday debut of Reimagined Victorian Christmas was a rousing success, members of the newly-formed Thomasville Downtown Merchants Association said, and the same enthusiasm is expected when the event continues Thursday, Friday and Saturday and on Saturday, Dec. 19, in downtown Thomasville.

People began shopping as soon as stores opened Saturday morning and continued shopping into the night, said Rhonda Foster, a downtown restaurateur and spokesman for the Thomasville Downtown Merchants Alliance.

“Everyone seemed ecstatic with the people,” Foster said in reference to merchants’ thoughts about the event.

Merchants dressed in Victorian attire and their stores were decorated for Christmas.

Thomasville Music & Drama Troupe carolers sang along streets and at businesses. Santa Claus practiced socially-distancing while listening to children’s Christmas wishes. Visitors to the city and local residents shopped and dined.

“All in all, it was a very complete event,” Foster said.

However, the Saturday event was “the tip of the iceberg,” according to Foster.

“It will be even better this week and even better on Dec. 19,” she added. “We expect it to get better as it goes.”

Organizers received notes from merchants expressing gratitude for their efforts.

“Merchants coming together in the Reimagined Victorian Christmas was the event,” Foster said. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820