Christmas spirit filled Oglethorpe County this past weekend with an array of festivities bringing the community together to enjoy the sights and sounds of parades and markets.
Lexington’s Christmas in Oglethorpe included a parade down Main Street and a market at the Lexington Community Center.
Gail Spearing watched her husband George Spearing, chief of the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, lead the parade in a fire truck.
She said she was “very proud of my little town” for the support, especially with the rain on Saturday.
The parade featured cars, floats, dancers, animals and a special appearance by Santa Claus, who traded his sleigh for a golf cart. Candies and treats were thrown to families who lined the street for the parade.
“People don’t know how important this is,” Lexington’s Kurt Wolfe said.
He added that events like the parade make the town feel connected.
The market was held at the new Lexington Community Center, a change from the usual courthouse location. Work is ongoing at the center.
Vendors gathered to sell handmade goods and raise money for the community. The market also featured live music, food and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Gary Price and his wife Charmaine Price, owners of PF Creations, which makes unique and personalized gifts, said he enjoyed seeing folks from around the county come together and the kids at the event.
“To be part of that, that's what I love,” Price said.
In Crawford, the “War Room Show” Community Christmas parade was shortened because of the rain. A makeup parade will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday.
“We always want to thank the people and the support they give us,” said Delbra Kendrick, co-host of the “War Room Show.”