Decorations for the Atlanta State Park Christmas drive-through as prepared for the public by the guests themselves are often elaborate and colorful.
Some scenes in the Atlanta State Park Christmas drive-through are outstanding. This one tells of the real reason for the season.“He is risen,” the display says.
Visitors to the Atlanta State Park Christmas drive-through receive a warm and friendly welcome at the park headquarters office.The truck in the center is for donations of canned goods in lieu of an entry fee.
The Clauses and the Grinch act as if they’ll do a boxing match. Underneath it all, they are friends. Park employee Kayla Williams is the Grinch and Jim and Judy Weerts are Mr. and Mrs. Santa.
This Grinch is really real. He’s Richard Ross of Mooringsport, LA,and he’s been to the Atlanta State Park Christmas drive-through for four years. And, yes, he wishes us a Merry Christmas even if he doesn’t look like he means it.
Atlanta State Park Drive-Through Christmas
Atlanta State Park’s popular Christmas in the Park drive-through drew some 3,200 people to see the lights and share a “Merry Christmas” blessing Friday and Saturday nights.
All 60 camp sites in the park participated in the display. The park also collected donations of canned goods in lieu of entry fees. The food was then given to two food banks and pantries Harvest House and Rebecca’s Pantry.
Park guests decorated their sites, and many were prepared to greet each car driving through with a “Merry Christmas!”
Local citizens appeared as much entertained here as by driving to a commercial site of holiday lights where one’s car windows are often kept rolled up and loud music may block conversation.
At the state park event, campers go to expense and effort for the pleasure of greeting the public. They do get to camp free in return for decorating, but many when asked say they like to make their decorated campsites better each year and have even bigger plans for next Christmas season.
After the drive through, guests were welcomed to pause at the headquarters station meet not only Santa Claus but also Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and Smokey the Bear.
The Christmas in the Park program is part of the state’s plan to welcome and show appreciation for the public.