The Orangeburg Parks and Recreation Department's elves have been busy preparing for Santa's arrival by creating a winter wonderland he can really appreciate.

A 10-member elf crew has been secretly setting up signs for Santa and his eight reindeer at Edisto Memorial Gardens so he will feel right at home even this far away from the North Pole. The city will begin lighting the display on Nov. 24.

The Children's Garden Christmas and Kid's Walk, a drive-through and walk-through experience filled with 300,000 glittering Christmas lights and about 77 lighted or animated displays at the Edisto Memorial Gardens, has become an annual favorite.

The free display which has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society, attracts approximately 300,000 people a year.

Two new additions to Children's Garden Christmas and Kids' Walk will greet visitors this year.

There is a little duck family walking to and fro on the snow and a little animated tunnel, a friendly place to go.

But there is still plenty to see, so come follow me.

Old Man Winter greets travelers with a chill and covers a 40-foot Christmas tree with his blanket of snow. A glance will reveal a countdown to Christmas Day, along with the sounds of, "Ho, ho, ho."

A little farther along the path ... lo ... what to my wondering eye should appear, but flying packages, a train and Santa in fishing gear.

Giving his reindeer a rest, Santa is also seen parachuting from house to house where people nest.

A little farther along the path, one can spy bicycles and, if one is quiet and still, a white-tailed deer galloping through the nighttime chill.

Santa and his sleigh are overhead, making sure the little ones are secure in bed.

A jack-in-the-box greets visitors a little farther on the right and caroling reindeer are seen to great delight.

There's waving snowmen, snowball fights and the ever-popular elf ski jump.

And then a mother-and-child display in a Nativity scene reminds all of the sacredness of season. Angels announce Peace on Earth while bears busy with bumblebees wish all a Beary Christmas.

Across the Edisto River, a frog jumps, wheel boats move and ducks are on the landing. Farther along, a bridge is lighted with an angel and star.

And then there are carousels twirling 'round about, and Santa is spied using a fire truck to give presents out.

Farther still along the snowy path, sweet giant candy canes give way to a "New Day Dawning" and another special day.

Though the end of the journey draws nigh, Santa takes advantage of the moment and waves to all good-bye.

The Kids' Walk, complete with about 30 displays, also offers an interactive adventure.

Hopping bunnies, scurrying squirrels, colorful lights and Christmas carols accompany walkers along the way to meet Santa and to possibly spy his sleigh. Children will be able to personally make the bunnies hop and squirrels climb with a click of a button.

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" carol will sound loud and clear, reminding all that Christmas draws near.

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com

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