Round 2 looks to be a winner so come out and enjoy the holiday season and Santa Friday in downtown Clayton as the night’s parade and candle lighting joins the community’s list of festive events.
Rains washed the chances of having the Clayton Christmas Parade on its originally scheduled date of Saturday, Dec. 2. Now the downtown gathering will be Dec. 8, beginning at 6 p.m.
The announcement of the parade postponement was announced on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 30. Friday’s forecast has much dryer conditions predicted.
The downtown streets will be closed to traffic in advance of the parade that will head up Main Street from the south end of town to the north. Immediately following the parade, the City of Clayton will host an event at Savannah Street and Main Street.
Among the many floats from community organizations, Santa Claus also will be in the parade.
The Candle Lighting Ceremony is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Christmas Parade & Candle Lighting in Clayton is presented by Forward Rabun, Rabun County Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Clayton. The giant candle sits atop the rooftop of Reeves at the corner of Main Street and Savannah Street.
Music, hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows and photos with Santa will be available at the Friday, Dec. 8, gathering.
For more parade information, contact the chamber at 706-782-4812.
Today, Thursday, Dec. 7, the community is asked to attend a free Santa and the Elves on the Farm event from 4-7 p.m. at the Rabun County Schools Agricenter at 2379 Old Highway 441 South, Tiger. The gathering is hosted by the Rabun County Middle and High School FFA. There will be ornaments, cookies, letters to Santa, animals and a visit with ole St. Nick.
Santa will remain busy locally as he will be arriving at Mountain Lakes Medical Center on Thursday, Dec. 14, by helicopter as long as weather and conditions permit. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 6 p.m. There will be a meet-and-greet with Santa from 6:30-7:30 p.m. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies.
Mountain Lakes Medical Center is located at 162 Legacy Point, Clayton. Email marketingcommunications@mlmchealth.com for more information.
Holiday Jamboree on the Mountain is set for Saturday, Dec. 9, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City. People can come enjoy the holidays on top of Black Rock Mountain State Park with live music, holiday nature crafts, a visit from Santa, and hayrides. Activities will take place in the campground and Mellinger Center.
People will be able to enjoy two weekends of fun with the Christmas Village of Lights provided by Kirk Knous and F.A.I.T.H. Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 15-16 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at 90 Tiger Connector in Tiger. Admission is free for the Friday and Saturday dates for the village. The Grinch will be on site, while pictures with Santa and a Christmas Village scavenger hunt also will be available.
Foxfire will host its annual Foxfire Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 16, at its 98 Foxfire Lane location in Mountain City.
People can come celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tiger Drive-In on Dec. 16 for the free Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” There will be free hot cider at the drive-in at 2956 Old 441 S., Tiger. Christmas lights have been added at the drive-in for families to take photos. Santa and Mrs. Claus along the Grinch will be at the anniversary. Also, a scavenger hunt will be available for children to find little tigers.
While January and February are a few days following the holidays, downtown businesses have been encouraged to display a snowman at their store; in the windows or on the sidewalk. The snowmen can be three-dimensional; painted on windows; or blow-ups. The businesses are allowed to come up with their own snowy ideas.