New lights hang on Columbia’s Main Street, but the popular light canopy is down. Is it coming back?

After two years of planning, a new lighting solution brightens Main Street with 120 woven lanterns hung from hardwood trees at six intersections between Gervais and Laurel Streets. The $130,000 project, fully funded by a foundation, aims to enhance safety and ambiance. The popular light canopy above the 1600 block will return by late October for the holidays. Further lighting upgrades for mid-block areas are planned but not yet finalized.