Dear Editor,

Thank you to the many people who braved the threat of bad weather to make the 2001 Candlelight Evening at Gaineswood on Thursday, November 29 successful. It was great to have 200 visitors see the home in candlelight, decorated in natural greenery and fruit, on such a rainy evening.

I extend my gratitude to everyone involved with "Christmas In The Canebrake:" the COTR Committee, the Marengo County Historical Society, local businesses, and countless volunteers who decorated the homes, provided refreshments, acted as hosts/hostesses, worked admissions, presented programs, cleaned up following the event, and last but not least, facilitated the mule-drawn carriage allowing the Gaineswood Belles to ride in Saturday’s Day Parade.

I also commend the following businesses and clubs for supporting our activities at Gaineswood: Piggly Wiggly, Food World, Back 40 Produce, Rice Heating&Cooling, O’Bryant Chapel, Doric South, Robertson Banking Company, River City Industries, Expressions Florists, Simply Southern, Designers Showcase, Colony Office Products, the Linden Quest Club, the Marengo County Retired Teachers Association, and the Gaineswood Belles.

The weather may have been bad, but the community support, as usual, was outstanding. Thanks again, Marengo County!

Cordially,

Matt Hartzell,

Gaineswood Site Director