Woodstock Christmas Parade Canceled (UPDATED)

UPDATE: the city's Christmas parade has been canceled and will not be rescheduled.

ORIGINAL STORY

WOODSTOCK, GA — Woodstock residents on Saturday will be able to join their friends and neighbors for the city's official kick off of the holiday season. The city will host its annual Christmas Jubilee and Parade of Lights Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 1, a popular event featuring a parade, visits with Santa Claus and the lighting of the Christmas tree.

The Christmas parade begins at 5:30 p.m., with the procession starting at Woodstock Elementary School. Marchers will travel south on Rope Mill Road and continue on Main Street until they reach Sam's Club at Ga. 92. Viewers and participants should note the parade will be held rain or shine, unless there's serious inclement weather.

To accommodate the parade, Woodstock will roll out the following road closures at 5:15 p.m.: Main Street at Sam's Club, Serenade Lane, Bowles Drive, Ingram Street, Barnesdale Terrace, Dupree Road, Fowler Street, Oak Street, Elm Street, Mill Street and Dobbs Road; Arnold Mill Road at Hubbard Drive, East Main Street and Main Street; Rope Mill Road at Woodstock Elementary School, Kyle Street and Rusk Street; and Towne Lake Parkway at Woodstock Parkway and Main Street.

If you want to do celebrate the season before the parade, you can drop by the Chambers at City Center for a 2 p.m. performance of "A Christmas Carol" by Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. In exchange for the complimentary entry, residents are asked to bring a can of chili, stew, soup, peanut butter or monetary donations to benefit Papa's Pantry. You can also stop by the Park at City Center beginning at 4:30 p.m. to peruse various vendors that will be on hand — or pick out the perfect spot to view the parade as it comes down Main Street.

After the parade, the fun continues at the Park at City Center, as Santa Claus will be on hand to hear what your little ones want for Christmas. Mayor Donnie Henriques and Kris Kringle will also light the Christmas tree. Woodstock will also give awards for the Best Holiday, Most Original, History and Heritage Award, and the People's Choice parade floats winners, and Preservation Woodstock will present the Barbara Ingram Citizen of the Year Award to retired educator Bonny Keheley.

If you want to indulge in some sweets, you'll be able to enjoy cookies, hot cider, chocolate. Other activities include a children's craft area, free moonwalk, music, food and holiday vendors and other children's activities.

Finally, youngsters will have a chance to mail their letters to the North Pole by using Santa's Mailbox at the Gazebo. If your kids post the letter Dec. 1-16, they will receive a personalized response from Santa Claus.

Be sure to follow the city of Woodstock's Facebook page to keep track of any updates to the Dec. 1 event.

Image via Shutterstock