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Saturday weather holds off for most Christmas events

Posted 5:28PM on Sunday 8th December 2013 ( 10 years ago )
UNDATED - Despite a forecast for possible rain across northeast Georgia on Saturday, inclement weather held off for most Christmas parades and events.

In Baldwin, the city for the first time hosted the Habersham County Christmas Parade, this year entitled, "Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child."

Mayor Jerry Neace estimated some 2,000 people lined the one-mile parade route from Baldwin City Hall on Airport Road to Mitchell Gailey City Park beside Baldwin Fire Department on Willingham Avenue.

Baldwin Elementary School won the Closest to Theme trophy for its entry, "Reading Brings Books to Life," while Demorest Elementary won the Most Creative trophy for its entry, "The Polar Express."

Judges for the parade entries were Rick Story of the Habersham Archway Partnership, Kimberly Boring from Fieldale and Gail Wilbanks from Wilbanks Body Shop.

Following the parade, city officials said they had not heard anything but praise for the event, noting they hope to be placed in rotation to host the county Christmas parade every three years, alternating with Clarkesville and Cornelia.

In addition to the parade, the city hosted The Christmas Village Festival in Mitchell Gailey City Park, featuring crafts, entertainment and children's activities. The park is named for former city council member, the late Mitchell Gailey, who had a massive Christmas village display.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, the streets of Helen filled for the parade in Georgia's Alpine Village. That event featured entries from businesses, veterans' groups, a Ford Thunderbird club, and Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as the State of Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force's Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Following the parade, the Clauses met with visitors in the Bandshell for the second weekend. Santa and Mrs. Claus will return to the Bandshell on Main Street in Helen from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, and from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21.

The clear weather of the daylight hours gave way to drizzle and cooler temperatures as the sun went down Saturday.

That didn't prevent several thousand people from lining the streets in Cleveland for that city's lighted Christmas parade at 7 p.m., which featured at least 20 floats, numerous emergency vehicles, the White County High School Jr. ROTC, and other entries.

The parade was held in conjunction with Christmas in the Mountains, a festival held on the Cleveland Square throughout the day Saturday.
Santa Claus arrived in Cleveland via this unit from the North Pole Fire Department Saturday night. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Residents of Habersham Retreat in Baldwin waved to parade-goers in Baldwin from their bus Saturday. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Lacy Nunnally escorts Luke Nunnally and Mama Mia along the Baldwin parade route. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Baldwin Elementary captured the Closest to Theme trophy for its parade entry, "Reading Brings Books to Life." (Photo/Rob Moore)
Major League Baseball 1997 Hall of Famer Phil Niekro served as grand marshal for Saturday's Habersham County Christmas Parade in Baldwin. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Major League Baseball 1997 Hall of Famer Phil Niekro served as grand marshal for Saturday's Habersham County Christmas Parade in Baldwin. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Demorest Elementary School won the Most Creative trophy in Baldwin for its entry of The Polar Express. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Members of the Banks Crossing Saddle Club step into Christmas in the Habersham County Christmas Parade in Baldwin. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Working dogs and their owners drew applause along the parade route in Helen Saturday afternoon. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Helen's Country Cafe filled its float with children who threw candy to those along the parade route. (Photo/Rob Moore)
The State of Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force entered its Chevrolet Camaro SS in both the Helen and Cleveland Christmas parades Saturday. (Photo/Rob Moore)
The Helen Faschingsverein use their Mardis Gras-themed float to promote Fasching, the German Mardi Gras, which will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 8 and 15, 2014. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Downtown Helen was filled with spectators for Saturday afternoon's parade. (Photo/Rob Moore)
Tesnatee Baptist Church entered this Cradle to the Cross float in Saturday night's parade in Cleveland. (Photo/Rob Moore)
A cold drizzle couldn't dampen the spirit of White County Bus Drivers' Blue Christmas float in Cleveland Saturday night. (Photo/Rob Moore)

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