PHOTO GALLERY: Despite rain, weekend events create shining smiles in the area

Even after being forced to reschedule Friday night activities due to the weather and competing with the rescheduled Habersham Central High School graduation Saturday morning, the annual Mountain Laurel Festival blossomed in Clarkesville.

Despite a few raindrops, the parade got underway at 10 a.m. as scheduled, with beauty queens, floats, dignitaries, walking groups, charities, businesses and candidates paying tribute to volunteerism.

Community volunteer Beatrice York served as grand marshal of this year's parade.

The Mountain Laurel fireworks show and live concert has been rescheduled for Friday, July 15, at Sam Pitts Park in Clarkesville, and will be rebranded "Red, White & Tunes." More information will be announced soon.

Friday night's rain didn't dampen the spirits of White County Relay for Life participants, who moved their event indoors at White County High School.

Community Volunteer Beatrice York serves as grand marshal for the annual Mountain Laurel Festival Parade.

Miss Mountain Laurel Tessa Akin waves from her convertible.

Members of the Mountaineer Shrine Club celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Habersham County Engine 15 and Clarkesville Engine 3 make their way along the parade route on Washington Street.

Antique cars and street rods are always a crowd pleaser.

Habersham Electric Membership Corp. families ride in the utility's restored first truck.

Members of Clarkesville Cub Scouts Pack 5 distribute American flags along the parade route.

North Georgia Floors' colorful entry distributes bags for candy collection.

Survivors enjoy fellowship during the White County Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Making the best of a rainy night, White County Relay for Life participants move the event inside White County High School.

Relay for Life fills the halls of White County High School.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/5/402445/despite-rain-weekend-events-create-shining-smiles-in-the-area