Empty Stocking Parade delights all ages

HIAWASSEE, Ga – Hundreds turned out to mark the start of the Christmas season in Towns County with the annual Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Parade.

The event started at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, and the theme was “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” The route began at the Georgia Mountain Fairground and ended at South State Bank.

View Parade images.

Members of the Towns County High School band marched down the street playing Christmas classics. Floats light up the street and children scrambled for candy thrown from the floats, golf carts, trucks, buses, and fire engines.

Onlookers on the square enjoyed Christmas music all night long from the square’s light show set up. The square is a great spot for photo ops this holiday season.

Towns County Sheriff’s Office encouraged monetary and toy donations for needy children in the area. They raised approximately $200 and received 30 toys.

Ten floats entered the parade along with numerous trucks, fire engines, and horses. The participant that one best float was ServPro. Towns Lion Club took second place and Polished Salon took third place.

The ServPro float featured Mr. Anti-Christmas himself, the Grinch. The Lions Club float had Santa and “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” crooner Elvis Presley. Polished Salon primped granny under the hairdryer and several merrymakers threw candy out to the crowd.

For those looking for additional Christmas cheer, The Georgia Mountain Fairground Christmas in the Mountains is open every Thursday and Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. Float winner images are courtesy of Vicki Ellis.