Canton Postpones Annual Christmas Parade Again

CANTON, GA — Another round of precipitation expected to move into Cherokee County this weekend has forced organizers of Canton's annual Christmas parade to once again postpone its holiday celebration.

The parade is now set for 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, said April Weeks, chair of the communications committee for the Canton Optimist Club, which organizes the parade.

Weeks said the parade will be postponed "one last time in an effort to have as many participants and spectators as possible." The Dec. 15 date, she said, will be the last chance for the Optimist Club to hold the parade for 2018.

Canton Optimist Club's celebration was originally set to be held Dec. 1. However, rainy conditions propelled club members to reschedule the parade for Dec. 8, a date that now appears to be a washout.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service expects a combination of freezing rain and sleet to move into portion of North Georgia this weekend. Those forecasters predict the line could move as far south and west as Canton to Cumming, Lawrenceville, Winder and Athens.

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Outside of the winter weather threat, across parts of north and middle Georgia, heavy rain Saturday into early Sunday could result in up to 3 inches of rainfall. This will likely elevate the threat for localized flooding or flash flooding. From Sunday night into Monday, wrap-around moisture in the colder air behind the system could result in some light snow showers across portions of north and central Georgia.

If the weather cooperates on Dec. 15, the parade lineup will begin behind AutoZone on Waleska Street, and participants are asked to get into formation before 4:30 p.m. Once the parade begins at 6 p.m., it will march into the central business district along West Main Street, continue on East Main Street and loop around onto North Street.

Before the parade, residents can gather at Cannon Park for the Optimist Club's Christmas Market Place, which has also been rescheduled to Dec. 15 Vendors will set up shop, and residents will be able to purchase food and gifts for their loved ones. The market opens at noon and runs until the start of the parade.

Along with a chance to shop, residents can also enjoy live music and a variety of entertainers at the park. Santa Claus will be on hand at the gazebo from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., so be sure to bring your cameras for photo opportunities. Proceeds from the market will benefit the Canton Optimist Club Empty Stocking Fund.

Image via Shutterstock