Several thousand people turned out Thursday evening, December 7, for the Habersham County Christmas Parade. Lighted floats, dancers, and the Habersham Central High School marching Band of Blue made their way down Washington Street, filling the town with Christmas cheer.
The parade rotates annually among the cities of Clarkesville, Cornelia, and Baldwin. This year was Clarkesville’s turn and a perfect way for the city to cap off its year-long bicentennial celebration. This year’s parade had more than 50 entries.
The parade theme was “Through the Ages.” This year’s grand marshals were reenactors from the “History Thru the Hemlocks” play, portraying citizens from Clarkesville’s past —Jarvis Van Buren, Cornelius Stanford, and Susan Kollock.
Cadets with Habersham Central High School’s JROTC program served as Color Guard ahead of the school’s marching Band of Blue. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)‘Toy Soldiers’ from the Clarkesville School of Dance perform during the parade on the downtown Clarkesville Square. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)Always a parade favorite, Habersham EMC basks in the glow of the season with its lighted truck. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
While the parade was the featured attraction of this year’s Clarkesville Downtown Christmas, it was not the only activity. The evening also included a tree lighting, cookie crawl, and live entertainment. Shops stayed open late for holiday shoppers.
Children anxiously await for parade floats, candy, and Santa Claus Thursday evening in Clarkesville. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)Three year old Bendt Wilbanks of Clermont attended the Clarkesville parade ready to meet Santa Claus, see the parade, and participate in the Cookie Crawl. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Clarkesville Mainstreet Director Colby Moore tells Now Habersham, “It was an honor to host the county parade in our bicentennial year.” He added,” The parade was an example of how our community comes together to celebrate during this most special of seasons.”
Shook’s Enterprises truck reminds parade goers the “reason for the season” as a reindeer rides in the back of the truck. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Moore stated that the Cookie Crawl has been a big hit over the years during the city’s Christmas event. Patrons buy a box for $5 and get a map of all 13 businesses that participate. Children and families then go around and collect all 13 cookies from each business. This year was no exception. Moore stated that they sold 250 boxes for the Cookie Crawl.
Wade Wrecker Service tows Micky and Minnie Mouse through the parade Thursday evening in Clarkesville. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)Mt. Airy police department brought along a Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer themed float complete with the Abominable Snowman. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
The parade had to be rescheduled due to being rained out last Saturday. Moore stated, “We expected a smaller crowd after we had to reschedule due to poor weather last weekend.” He was pleased with the turnout Thursday night, “As it turned out, the residents of Habersham County turned out in force to kick-off the Christmas season.”
His Radio 90.9 marched in the parade advertise being Northeast Georgia’s Christmas Music Station. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)Jack Bradley Agency of Cornelia brought an 80’s themed Fun Old Fashioned Christmas float to the parade as staff wave to the crowd. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)Boy Scout Troop 5 of Clarkesville presents their patriotic float adorned with American flags and red, white, and blue. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)Hey Y’all Cloggers greeted parade goers Thursday evening in Clarkesville. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)Santa Claus wraps up the parade Thursday evening in Clarkesville. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)A line forms after the parade to have pictures made with Santa at the gazebo in Clarkesville. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)The jolly ole elf himself, Santa Claus at the gazebo awaits more photos with families and children Thursday evening after the parade. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
There was a chill in the air that added to the festive flair of the evening as eventgoers bundled up and drank hot chocolate.
Clarkesville provided a burn pit for parade goers and those waiting to have photos with Santa to keep warm. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Cornelia will hold its downtown Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 9.
