The sounds of sleigh bells and carolers will soon be filling the air.
The official kick-off to the Rockdale/Conyers holiday season will take place the first weekend in December with the Olde Town Christmas Party on Friday, Dec. 3 and the 11th Annual Hometown Holiday Parade and Community Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m., sponsored by Rockdale County and the city of Conyers.
The Olde Town Christmas Party, sponsored by the Conyers Main Street Program, takes place on Friday, Dec.3 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Santa will be available for visits and photos at the Conyers Depot/Conyers Welcome Center at 901 Railroad Street, with complimentary refreshments and hot chocolate for kids of all ages. The Rockdale County Historical Society will also host a Secret Santa Shop in the warehouse of the Depot for children 10 years and up. Gifts range in price from $.50 to $5 with gift wrapping included. After shopping and visiting with Santa, visitors can snuggle up for a carriage or train ride through the streets of Olde Town and other free activities.
On Saturday, Dec.4, more than 70 floats and groups will wind their way through Olde Town Conyers for the Holiday Hometown parade. The route starts at Rockdale County High School on Pine Log Road to Main Street and will conclude on Milstead Avenue at Pine Street. Entries in the parade include the Heritage High School Marching Band, the Conyers Shrine Club, and the Rockdale County 4-H Club. Recreational sports teams, scout troops, churches and local businesses will be represented in the parade as well as the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“The Hometown Holiday Parade is the ideal way for families and neighbors to come together and celebrate the holiday season in our community,” said Mayor Randy Mills.
“The Hometown Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Event promises to bring joy and a sense of real community connection to Rockdale,” said Erica Fatima Director of Public Affairs. “We encourage all citizens, stakeholders, family and friends to come out and join in the holiday fun.”
The parade is followed by Rockdale County’s annual tree lighting celebration at the Rockdale County Courthouse beginning at 6 p.m., immediately following the parade. Live performances, entertainment, concessions and Santa will be on hand to greet the crowds that anticipate the lighting of the tree.
Both the parade and tree lighting will be taped to air on Rockdale’s cable channel 23 throughout the holiday season.
Ice skating will be open in the Olde Town Pavilion for more holiday fun throughout the weekend. The cost is $7 to skate and $2 for skate rental. The ice skating rink will remain open through February 27, 2011.
For more information on the Hometown Holiday Parade and other holiday events such as the Pilot Club Tour of Homes and Monastery of the Holy Spirit’s Atlanta Boy Choir Holiday Concert, call 770-602-2606 or visit www.conyersga.com for a calendar of events.
