"It truly is a weekend to kick off your holiday season," said Conyers Main Street Director Monica Coffin.
On Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the streets around Olde Town Conyers will be closed off for the annual Christmas party, sponsored by Conyers Main Street and the city of Conyers.
"This is the first year we'll have the roads closed," said Coffin. "It's because the event has become so popular; it's become a safety issue. We have more and more people coming out to enjoy the Christmas party."
Complimentary train rides and carriage rides through Olde Town will be offered. Free Christmas cookies, hot cocoa and cider will be given away as well. Children of all ages will also have a chance to visit Santa and have their picture taken with him.
The Rockdale Historical Society will set up a Secret Santa store in the Depot, where children ages 5 to 10 years old can shop for presents, ranging in price from 50 cents to $5, for their family members. Gift wrapping is included in the price of the present.
Shops will also stay open for residents to browse, including a few new businesses, such as Las Flores Mexican restaurant and Creamberry ice cream parlor.
Attendees will have plenty of entertainment options to choose from. The Conyers-Rockdale Council for the Arts will present the Conyers Kids Annual Holiday Show at 7 p.m. at the Center Street Arts facility. Admission is free. The Covington/Conyers Choral Guild will also perform in concert at the Rockdale Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.
The ice skating rink will be open that day from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Hometown Holiday parade returns, starting at 4:30 p.m. With the theme "Cartoon Christmas" and more than 70 entries this year, the parade is sure to be a colorful one.
Salem High School's band will be leading the parade this year (the honor rotates among the three high schools) and the parade will air on Channel 23.
The route starts at Rockdale County High School, proceeds to Pine Log Road, Main Street, and onto Milstead Avenue. The floats will continue to Eastview Road and walking groups in the parade will turn off at Pine Street.
Afterwards, Rockdale County will host the annual tree lighting at the courthouse, attended by the parade guests of honor Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Pilot Club will host the 14th annual Tour of Homes on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This year's tour features five homes in Olde Town Conyers - three on College Avenue, one on North Main Street, and one located on Peek Street. Tickets are $12 per person. For more information, call 770-602-2606.
