Christmas Fest, Parades Round Out Another Holiday Weekend

More holiday fun in store this weekend around Franklin and Hart Counties.

It all starts tonight in Lavonia with their annual evening Christmas Fest in downtown Lavonia at the Gazebo on Main St..

The festival runs tonight from 5p to 8p.

Lavonia Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Marie Morse says it’s a great time for families and friends to come out and get into the holiday spirit with lots of great entertainment.

“We’re looking forward to the food and craft vendors, and of course lots of things for the kids such as Papa’s Little Choo-Choo, horse and carriage rides, Santa and Santa’s workship,and inflatables,” Morse said. “We also have lots of good entertainment from Elisa Gilgore, the Franklin County HS dance team, Georgia Baton and Dance, Happy Daze, the First Baptist Church Choir and the First Baptist Church Bluegrass Band. So we’re really looking forward to all of this.”

Additionally, downtown shops and restaurants will be open late for people to enjoy and perhaps get some Christmas shopping done.

Among them, Gloria’s Daily Grind, Lavonia’s newest downtown business will have coffee, the Vintage Owl will be open with specials as well as VF Chitwood’s.

And throughout December, Morse said the local farmer’s market will be open every Saturday for their annual Christmas market.

Then on Sunday, two Christmas parades are taking place.

At 3p, Royston-Franklin Springs will be holding their annual parade.

Sponsored by the /Royston Downtown Development Authority, Executive Director Candy Rhoades they are expecting another great family time and still have spaces open for those who would like to be in the parade.

“We will still be accepting applications through Friday afternoon,” Rhoades said. “There is no charge to participate, but all entries need to complete an application. We’re real excited. Our parade draws a huge crowd. So, we’re looking forward to a great day and additional participants and should be a lot of fun.”

Rhoades said about they have about 80 participants so far.

And at 3:30p Sunday is the annual Hartwell Christmas parade.

This year’s theme is “The Magic of the Season” and prizes will be awarded for the best representation of that theme.

The winner will receive $100 in Our Town gift certificates.

To be in the Hartwell Christmas parade or get more info, you can contact the Hart County Chamber of Commerce at 706-376-8590.