Twin cities, Ducktown events slated Saturday
Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend for the 62nd annual Copperhill Kiwanis Club Christmas Parade and for “Christmas in Ducktown.”
With this year’s theme being “Centennial Christmas: Serving the Basin for 100 Years,” the Kiwanis parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 4, starting at 2 p.m. from the Toccoa River Park area in McCaysville. If there is inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, December 11.
All those wishing to participate in the parade itself should come to the free parking area on East Tennessee Avenue in McCaysville between noon and 1 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to dress up in 1920s attire or to decorate their cars or floats in a way to represent the 1920s as the Copperhill Kiwanis Club is celebrating their 100 year anniversary.
Floats will be judged around 1 p.m., with trophies being awarded prior to the parade in three categories: best presentation of the theme, most original and best overall.
The parade will leave the free parking area on East Tennessee Avenue at 2 p.m. traveling to Blue Ridge Drive, turn north to cross the Toccoa River, then left on Ocoee Street through Copperhill. The parade will end at the entrance to Copperhill Industries.
Parade entries are reminded to not re-enter the parade route for safety reasons until Santa reaches the end of the parade.
All are invited to participate, but it is asked that no one decorate a float with a full image of or someone dressed as Santa Claus as the Kiwanis Club’s float will have one of their own.
Call Don Wirtz at 706-632-9011 for more information or questions.
Next up Saturday evening, the City of Ducktown will hold their “Christmas in Ducktown” celebration starting at 5 p.m.
A parade with a tree lighting ceremony to follow, as well as an axe throwing contest, will highlight the evening.
Event organizer Patricia Hickley said she has a few people lined up to show their cars before the parade, but if anyone else is interested in participating, or vendors and parade participants interested in joining the festivities, they should contact her at 706-851-4329.
Stores along Main Street will offer free hot chocolate, popcorn and candied apples to attendees, and vendor booths will be set up along the street with other holiday offerings.
The Copper Basin High School band will also be there operating the concession stand, and all the proceeds raised from sales will go directly back to support the band program.
The Christmas parade and festivities are sponsored and paid for by Ducktown businesses and community members with local churches pitching in to help as well.
Masks and social distancing are appreciated but not required.