AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) - Driving around downtown Augusta at night just got a lot brighter thanks to a donation by Netflix.
Visitors can now see a full light display between 7th and 8th street in the small park with a walking path. The display is part of Netflix’s attempt to spread holiday cheer to different cities across the country.
The display includes lights of different colors and signs promoting Netflix Christmas movies and shows.
Six cities, including Augusta, were selected. The others are Vallejo, Calif., Stroudsburg, Pa., Natchez, Miss., Alton, Ill. and Norman, Okla. Netflix spokeswoman Sara Blue said they contacted a number of towns across the U.S. and Augusta responded with interest.
“In what has been a rough year for many, the holiday season brings the much anticipated opportunity for an escape to a more joyous time, people are ready for the holidays,” Blue said in a statement. “We wanted to keep the merriment alive during these unprecedented times by resurrecting displays and bringing some holiday cheer.”
Mayor Hardie Davis issued a statement thanking Netflix forbringing a little more holiday spirit to Augusta. He said it was an easy decision to accept.
“When we rang in 2020, no one knew what was just around the corner. With the news warning people to stay at home for the holidays, we wanted to bring some extra cheer to our residents,” he said. “As the lights go up and shine brightly over the next few weeks, it is my prayer that they bring hope and joy to all that see them.”
John Ussery, the city’s assistant director for traffic engineering, said they were surprised to learn about Netflix’s donation. He said they didn’t know it was Netflix until they applied for the permit.
“They just said they wanted to spread some holiday cheer and hope, it’s been a rough year. They choose several mid-sized cities they wanted to set up a display in,” Ussery said. “At first, they didn’t even tell us it was Netflix, they just said that the donor wished to remain anonymous.”
Netflix installed the lights Tuesday and Wednesday and they will remain until the first week of January.
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