City plans Christmas in July celebration to unveil new downtown lighting system and approves Historic Camden ordinances.

Christmas is coming to Camden a little early this year.

During this week’s City Council meeting, City Manager Matt DeWitt shared plans for a Christmas in July celebration that will spotlight recent downtown lighting improvements and create a new opportunity for the community to gather downtown.

The event, currently in the planning stages, is expected to feature a holiday movie on Broad Street, snow machines, popcorn, snow cones, and other family-friendly activities.

The celebration, which will take place toward the end of July, will also showcase the City’s new programmable LED rooftop lighting system. The energy-efficient lights can be customized for holidays, special events, and community celebrations throughout the year. For this event, the City also plans to bring back the decorative string lights that once spanned Broad Street during the Christmas season, blending a beloved downtown tradition with new technology to create a more vibrant experience for residents and visitors alike.

In other business, City Council approved measures supporting the long-term preservation and future development of Historic Camden, one of the community’s most significant historical and cultural destinations.

Councilmember Phil Elliott provided an update on the Dusty Bend Improvement Task Force, including plans for a community planning meeting tentatively scheduled for July 20.

Mayor Vincent Sheheen shared positive feedback received following a recent presentation by Director of Tourism Jenny Parrish to the Kiwanis Club of Kershaw County. He said attendees appreciated learning more about the many efforts underway to promote Camden and support the local economy through tourism.

City Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Agendas and approved minutes are available at www.experiencecamdensc.com.