A sizeable crowd lined Washington Street in downtown Clarkesville Tuesday night to watch Habersham County’s annual Christmas parade. More than two dozen lighted floats and other entries made their way along the mile-long route through the town square. Habersham Central High’s marching Band of Blue filled the bitterly cold night air with holiday tunes as kids squealed in delight, rushing to grab candy thrown from passing floats.
It was 34-degrees in downtown Clarkesville when the parade kicked off at seven o’clock. The near-freezing temperatures added to the holiday mood, signaling the last seasonal turn in what has felt like an extraordinarily long year. Despite the surging pandemic, people showed up to celebrate, eager to find some semblance of normalcy in a year that’s been anything but normal.
Smokey the Bear served as this year’s Grand Marshal. Habersham EMC’s Trailwave bucket truck decked out in hundreds of colored lights was a fan favorite. Judges awarded prizes to three entries. First Place went to Lowes of Cornelia, second to Henslee Real Estate, and third place went to the Old Clarkesville Cemetery.
Other area celebrations
Habersham is not the only Northeast Georgia community forging ahead with its holiday plans. Three local communities are holding their parades and Christmas celebrations this weekend.
Stephens County will hold a daytime parade salute to Christmas in America starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 in Toccoa. Cleveland will host White County’s Christmas in the Mountains celebration and lighted parade beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 5. Rabun County’s Christmas Parade in downtown Clayton will be held at the same time.
Helen will host its parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12.
For more holiday happenings in and around Habersham, see Now Habersham’s Events Calendar.
Health officials continue to urge people to avoid crowds to prevent the spread of COVID. If you plan to attend these or other holiday events, they encourage you to wear masks, observe social distancing, and wash your hands frequently.
