Beechwood Holiday Market: The Origin Story | Renewing the City Podcast In this episode of Renewing the City, host Paul Taylor Smith sits down with Dave Mulkey to unpack the unexpected, inspiring, and deeply meaningful origin story of the Beechwood Holiday Market, one of Athens, Georgia’s most beloved seasonal traditions. What began as a response to the uncertainty and isolation of 2020 has grown into a vibrant annual celebration of community, legacy, and the spirit of stewardship. From makeshift holiday huts and hand-tied Christmas trees to big-band performances and a full Christmas Carnival, the Holiday Market has evolved, yet its purpose remains the same: to bring joy, connection, and tradition back to Beechwood.