Christmas festivities bring joy to locals

The eighth annual Hometown Christmas Celebration was held Saturday night in Atlanta. The event, sponsored by the Atlanta Area Young Professionals Association, began at 4 p.m. and took place all over downtown.

Happening at the same time was the Local Makers Market at Woods Park on Hiram Street. Crafters, vendors, chefs and builders set up their booths and sold their wares to a record crowd. Everything from windchimes made of silverware, paintings, repurposed furniture, art, pottery and food were available. Some vendors even sold out of items before the night was over.

Downtown businesses and members of the Atlanta Merchants Association kept their doors open late to accommodate the shopping crowd. Some of the shops offered refreshments and Christmas specials.

Santa Claus sent his helper, Steve Mitchell of Texarkana, to make an appearance at Atlanta Floral on Main Street, sitting inside the window. A bench was set against the glass so children could have their picture made with him for the health safety of all.

Snow machines were located at several locations and kids could be seen throwing snowballs in the not-quite-freezing temperatures. Treats could be found at several shops, a candy cart on Hiram Street, and at the Makers Market at Woods Park.

Two of the biggest hits of the night were the snow hill in the parking lot in front of Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, and the petting zoo by the Chamber of Commerce Depot.

Santa’s reindeer were kept at the Plaza on Main, and Mrs. Claus was greeting children in front of Camelot Manor Antiques on Main. The snow hill was a tall slide caked with fake snow that one could ride down on an innertube. Kids of all shapes, sizes and ages stood in the long line waiting for their turn.

The animals in the petting zoo travelled all the way from Hico, Texas, where they graze and rest at Noah’s Way Exotic Farm between show gigs. According to the owner, Cole Reeves, they usually do over 70 shows a year until the pandemic.

Local kids enjoyed entering the pen and getting up close and personal with sheep, goats, llamas, deer, ponies, and a kangaroo. The ponies were also giving short rides.

The activities of the evening, set against the town’s Christmas decorations and piped in holiday music, left everyone that attended feeling holly and jolly once again.