A small but cheerful crowd gathered Friday night in Toccoa for the annual Christmas tree lighting on the historic Stephens County Courthouse lawn. The event was part of the city’s annual Christmas Fest.
The cool, rainy weather kept many people away. Still, those who did turn out felt the warmth of the holidays. They strolled through the lights, shopped, and skated as carolers serenaded them.
Brandon Brooks of Turnerville was among the several hundred people who turned out for the evening’s events.
“My niece danced down there at the theater, at the Ritz,” he told Now Habersham.
Beth Rider’s granddaughter also danced at the historic theater, but it wasn’t the only thing that drew this Toccoa resident and her husband to the event.
“We came out to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree and to view all of the lights and have a little fun tonight,” she said.
“My wife made me go,” added her husband, Leon, with a grin.
The Courthouse Wonderland will remain lit throughout the new year. For more information on ice skating and other holiday activities, contact Main Street Toccoa at 706-282-3232.
Victorian Carolers from the Toccoa Presbyterian Church, from left: Doug Torrante, Janice Parker, Pat McGarvey, and Kevin Hellenga.
(Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Several groups performed throughout the evening at the historic Ritz Theater in downtown Toccoa. The lineup included The Dance Studio, Toccoa Jazz, Toccoa Carolers, and Tugalo Holler.(Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance to the delight children of all ages. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
A live nativity celebrating the reason for the Christmas season greeted visitors inside Thacker Hall on West Doyle Street. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
One of the entries in this year’s Festival of Trees. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
The historic Stephens County Courthouse (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
Toccoa’s Christmas tree is the centerpiece of the lighted decorations on the historic courthouse lawn. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)
