The Maxeys Christmas parade will bring holiday spirit to Maxeys for its seventh consecutive year on Saturday, Dec. 6.
This is Heather Parham’s fourth year organizing the parade, and this year, she’s doing things a little differently.
The marketplace and food trucks will open promptly at 10 a.m., but for the first time, the live music will take place before the parade, so parade-goers can enjoy entertainment while they shop.
Performers this year include returning University of Georgia acapella group Noteworthy and Oglethorpe County High School graduate Hunter Boswell, with other acts still being booked.
The parade will commence at 11 a.m., with former Maxeys mayor Warren Gilson at the forefront as grand marshal.
“I’m flattered that they selected me,” he said.
Gilson has been in the parade before, but never as grand marshal.
“Maybe this year, I’ll be able to see it,” he said, laughing. “When you’re in the middle, you don’t really see it much. Of course, I’ll be at the beginning, so I can see all the rest of it.”
There will also be a silent auction in addition to the regular raffle prizes, with a night at the Gillen House Bed & Breakfast, a three-month Cronic Fitness gym membership and more up for grabs.
Parham said the parade wouldn’t be possible without the help and hard work from the community. The parade committee, community members, volunteers and local businesses come together to put on the event each year, with preparation starting as early as August.
“I think that we’re made for community,” she said. “Whenever we come together, something special happens, and when you come together for a reason, such as celebrating Christmas, I think that makes it all the more special.”
Parade attendance continues to grow each year, drawing not only Maxeys residents, but residents from the surrounding areas of Clarke, Oconee and Greene counties.
The event usually attracts around 400-600 people every year, and some years up to 800, “which is hard to fit in Maxeys,” Parham said.
“It’s a lot of people that come into our very small town,” she said. “We line up on one street and in somebody’s driveway that very graciously lets us do that. A lot of people in the town give a lot, whether it's using their property or (giving) their time and energy.”
Parham couldn’t pick just one favorite part of the parade. She loves all of it, from watching creativity shine through in the floats, to spotting familiar faces in the crowd and seeing the community’s effort come to fruition.
“Having a community that knows each other, that might have kids or grandchildren in the parade, and you’re like, ‘Oh I know that person,’” Parham said. “It's just kind of really fun.”
There will be no parking along the parade route and parts of Laurel Lane, Sunset Drive and Forest Circle may be limited or blocked starting at 9 a.m. on the day of the parade.
A portion of Highway 77 will be closed starting at 11 a.m. for the duration of the parade, likely until 11:40 a.m. Side roads are expected to reopen after the parade. Drivers should follow detours and expect delays.
“I hope that (people) walk away excited to celebrate Christmas,” Parham said. “At the very least, (I want for them) to be able to come and have a good time with family and friends.”