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File photo from the Holiday Market and Festival of Trees 2022.
Over the upcoming hours to weeks, Rabun County will be busier than Rudolph leading the other reindeer and Santa on their rounds of delivering toys to good boys and girls.
Before people take that first bite of dressing or decide between pumpkin or sweet potato pie, a 3.1-mile run is just the ticket to get you even more hungry for a Thanksgiving feast.
Runners and walkers can join in the Clayton Turkey Trot 5K on Thursday, Nov. 23, as the event starts at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia at 46 Plaza Way in Clayton.
The 5K that is sponsored by the Clayton Merchants and Business Association will begin at 9 a. m. on Thanksgiving Day and registration will start at 8 a.m. The cost is a minimum donation of $30 per runner.
All funds raised will benefit your neighbors experiencing hunger as with every $1 donated, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia can provide three nourishing meals. Runners under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-register now by visiting foodbanknega.org and click “give help.”
The Holiday Market & Festival of Trees 2023 will afford individuals the chance to view some cheerful trees that are up for auction. The annual event with its free admission at the Rabun County Civic Center will be Friday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Festival of Trees benefits Paws 4 Life as more than 30 decorated trees that vary in height from three to 7.5 feet will be available for bidding. The auction will conclude at 3 p.m. on Saturday and delivery of the tree is available for a fee.
Paws 4 Life also will offer real fire hydrants for bidding. The hydrants have been painted by local artists.
Christmas in downtown Clayton will be on Black Friday, Nov. 24, as Main Street area event will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., as specials and refreshments will the offered. There will be holiday sales, luminaries, a bagpiper, door prizes and a window decorating contest. For additional details, call 706-782-1520.
The Dillard Tree Lighting ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 26, will be an evening of fun and fellowship. The gala will be on the Dillard City Hall grounds from 6-8 p.m.
Those who attend the Dillard gathering will receive free hot dogs, chips, popcorn, cookies and drinks. They also can visit with Santa.
Weather-permitting, a hayride will be available, while the Christmas Story and caroling can be heard.
The event in Dillard is sponsored by the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church, The Dillard House, Cupboard Café, and the City of Dillard.
Foxfire will be holding a “Thank You Celebration” with contacts, alumni, volunteers and a guest on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. at 186 Playhouse Drive, Mountain City. RSVP by Nov. 27 to jessica.parker@foxfire.org. Supper will be provided, but people are encouraged to bring their favorite dessert they would like to show off.
Foxfire also will host its annual Foxfire Christmas on Dec. 16 at its 98 Foxfire Lane location in Mountain City.
The Town of Tallulah Falls Tree Lighting will be Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. A potluck dinner will be held at 6 p.m. and then the lighting will follow.
The Christmas Parade & Candle Lighting in Clayton will be Saturday, Dec. 2, as the annual event will be presented by Forward Rabun, Rabun County Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Clayton.
The parade on Main Street in Clayton begins at 6 p.m. and the candle lighting is at 7:30 p.m. Music, hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows and photos with Santa will be available at the Dec. 2 gathering.
For more parade information, contact the chamber at 706-782-4812.
Holiday Jamboree on the Mountain is set for 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.