Georgia Southern Bowl Eligible: TMT Farms Opens, Christmas in Boro This Week

Hello Statesboro!

December is here, and our community is glowing with holiday spirit. Last week brought some truly special moments: hundreds of neighbors gathered downtown for our city's first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting, TMT Farms opened its 29th season of lights in tribute to the beloved Deborah Thompson, and the Georgia Southern Eagles punched their ticket to a fourth consecutive bowl game with a historic win at Marshall. This week, we're looking ahead to Friday's Christmas in the Boro parade downtown, Tuesday's big Kroger development vote, and a full calendar of festive events to kick off the holiday season. Let's dive into what's happening in the Boro this week!

Final Score: Georgia Southern 24, Marshall 19

Georgia Southern (6-6, 4-4 Sun Belt) captured its sixth win Saturday in Huntington, West Virginia, becoming bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive year—a first in program history. The Eagles dominated time of possession (41:38 to 18:22) and outgained Marshall 528-372 in total yards.

Wide receiver Camden Brown delivered a record-breaking performance: 9 catches for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns, becoming the first player in Georgia Southern history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. His 12 touchdown receptions rank second nationally. Quarterback JC French IV completed 24-of-37 passes for 313 yards and two scores.

The defense, maligned all season, held Marshall to just 64 rushing yards—a remarkable turnaround for a unit that had allowed 220 per game entering the contest. Safety Ayden Jackson's interception set up a critical scoring opportunity.

Post-game shakeup: Less than 24 hours after the victory, Coach Clay Helton announced the dismissal of defensive coordinator Brandon Bailey and linebackers coach Alex Garwig. Darius Safford will call plays for the bowl game, with Drew Gaither elevated to linebackers coach.

"My job is to win Sun Belt championships and to assess all areas of our program," Helton stated. "Unfortunately, we did not meet the standard of production that resembles a championship defense this season."

Bowl destination announcements are expected by December 7. The Eagles are 0-3 in bowls under Helton, including last year's New Orleans Bowl loss to Sam Houston. Sun Belt bowl affiliations include the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (December 23), 68 Ventures Bowl (December 14), and Myrtle Beach Bowl (December 16).

The beloved TMT Farms Christmas Lights Drive-Thru returned Thanksgiving night for its 29th consecutive season, now carrying the dedication "In Loving Memory of Deborah Thompson"—the family matriarch who passed away July 17, 2025, at age 76 after battling cancer.

The opening came despite challenging circumstances: family patriarch Roy Thompson was hospitalized November 17 after suffering a stroke and transferred to rehabilitation in Metter. His children, Tyler Thompson and Jennifer Thompson McCranie, pushed forward with preparations, having worked seven days a week since early July.

"She loved Christmas more than anyone and she wanted it to continue," the family posted on Facebook. "She was a wife, a mom, a nana, a good friend to many and now she is our Christmas angel."

New attractions for 2025 include 65-75 displays acquired from the former Guido Gardens "Nights of Lights" in Metter, including praying hands and trumpeting angels. The animated "Dancing House" returns after a two-year hiatus, and a 35-foot Christmas tree donated by Tanger Outlets anchors the display.

The two-mile drive-thru on Old River Road North, approximately 15 miles from downtown Statesboro, features replicas of historical Bulloch County landmarks including Snooky's Restaurant, Henry's barbershop, and the Pav-a-lon recreation center. The display runs nightly through December 27 from 6 PM to 1 AM with free admission; donations of non-perishable food, toys, and pet supplies benefit Christian Social Ministries and Bulloch County Animal Services. In peak years, the attraction has collected over 112,000 pounds of food and drawn an estimated 350,000 visitors.

Downtown Statesboro's Art Park glowed with holiday spirit Tuesday, November 25, as the city hosted its first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Several hundred residents gathered to witness the illumination of a 26-foot-tall Christmas tree installed by the city's Public Works crew.

The Pittman Park United Methodist Church Chancel Choir performed Christmas hymns including "O Holy Night," while the Statesboro Youth Council hosted activities for families. Mayor Jonathan McCollar and City Manager Charles Penny welcomed the crowd before leading a countdown to light the tree.

"This is our first year hosting a tree lighting in the park, and we believe it will be a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and share in the joy and spirit that make Statesboro such a special place," Mayor McCollar said.

Following the ceremony, attendees walked the Willie McTell Trail to the annual Shopping by Lantern Light event at the Main Street Farmers Market, which drew its largest crowd ever with nearly 110 vendors—a record. Market manager Kelsie Cobb noted the market season stimulated approximately $700,000 into the local economy. The downtown tree will remain lit throughout the holiday season.

The Statesboro City Council will vote Tuesday, December 2, at 9 AM on the controversial 28.37-acre mixed-use development at Cypress Lake Road and Veterans Memorial Parkway that would bring a Kroger supermarket to the area.

The proposal, brought by Augusta-based Southeastern Property Acquisitions LLC, includes a 99,992-square-foot Kroger (nearly double the size of Statesboro's Publix), a fuel center, four commercial outparcels, and approximately 75 homes. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0 on November 4, but the Council tabled the vote 3-1 on November 18 after passionate opposition from Whispering Pines residents.

Opponents cite environmental concerns over wetlands destruction, traffic safety at an already-hazardous intersection, noise pollution, and wildlife displacement. Jordan Gray, a member of the IUCN Turtle & Tortoise Specialist Group, brought a rescued box turtle named "Cypress" to illustrate the ecological impact. The Ogeechee Riverkeeper has requested delay until environmental discrepancies are resolved.

Mayor McCollar will recuse himself as family members own adjacent property outside city limits. If approved, the developer faces a separate rezoning request before Bulloch County for approximately 6 acres, with that hearing scheduled for January 2026.

Other December 2 government meetings: Bulloch County Board of Commissioners meets at 5:30 PM at 115 North Main Street.

The marquee holiday event of the week, Christmas in the Boro: "Christmas Around the World," transforms downtown Statesboro Friday, December 5, from 5:30-8:00 PM.

The Christmas Parade launches at 5:30 PM, traveling from West Main Street to East Main Street past the Bulloch County Courthouse, then onto Railroad Street. Following the parade, the Community Stage at the courthouse features performances by Cotton Rose School of Dance, Statesboro Youth Chorale, Statesboro High School's "ELF" musical preview, Trinity Episcopal Church Choir, and GSU Jazz Band.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet families at the Averitt Center's main gallery, while The Brownies perform holiday concerts at the Emma Kelly Theater every 20 minutes. An International Food Court offers global cuisine with voting for favorites. Free activities include chili dogs from the City of Statesboro, hayrides sponsored by Synovus Bank, cookie decorating, and children's books from the Book Bus.

The Christmas Around the World Passport invites visitors to explore 24 themed country stops throughout downtown, collecting stamps at each location. Attendees can also vote for their favorite holiday window display, with prizes of $500, $300, and $200 for winners.

Approximately 2,200 students will receive degrees during Fall 2025 commencement ceremonies across three days and locations:

The university recently celebrated record-breaking enrollment of 29,633 students—a 7.73% increase—with the largest freshman class in history (5,946). Retention reached 82%, earning Georgia Southern the Chancellor's Cup Trophy at the Board of Regents meeting for the highest percentage retention increase among USG comprehensive institutions.

Academic calendar: Last day of classes is December 3; final exams run December 4-12. Residence halls close December 14 for Savannah ceremony participants and December 18 for Statesboro graduate students.

The men's basketball team (5-3) continues non-conference play this week:

Sun Belt Conference play begins December 17 against Georgia State at home, followed by a December 20 matchup with James Madison.

The women's team, led by second-year coach Hana Haden, opens conference play December 18 against Georgia State. The Eagles faced #5 LSU earlier this season in a homecoming game for Tigers star Flau'jae Johnson, falling 118-70.

Statesboro Regional Library (912-764-1341):

Church & Community:

Recreation Department:

Recreation events:

Averitt Center performances:

First Baptist Statesboro:

Holiday closures: City and County offices closed December 24-25. Bulloch County Schools on winter break December 22-January 1.

Location: 16710 Old River Road North (15 miles from downtown Statesboro) Hours: 6 PM – 1 AM nightly through December 27 Admission: Free; donations requested Donations accepted: Non-perishable food, new unwrapped toys, pet food/supplies, cash for utility assistance Weather updates: Facebook.com/TMT Farm Christmas Lights Drive-Thru

Directions: Travel Lakeview Road approximately 9.5 miles, turn left onto Old River Road North, continue 4.3 miles. Alternative: Highway 80 to Highway 25, right on Rocky Ford Road approximately 5 miles, turn right at second paved crossroads, travel 1 mile.

That's it for Edition 8! Have a wonderful first week of December. Stay warm, enjoy the holiday events downtown Friday, and if you haven't visited TMT Farms yet this season, make it a priority this year's display honors a true Statesboro treasure.

Next Monday, we'll recap this week's Christmas in the Boro festivities, share the Kroger development decision, and preview the final push before Christmas break.

Got a news tip, event to share, or just want to say hi? Hit reply. We read every message.

Know someone who'd love Statesboro Brief? Forward this email so they never miss what's happening in our community!

See you next Monday!

The Statesboro Brief is your weekly community newsletter covering Statesboro and Bulloch County, Georgia. Edition 8 | December 1, 2025