DAHLONEGA, Ga. — A large crowd packed the downtown square Saturday as the annual Dahlonega Christmas Parade stepped off at noon, bringing holiday cheer, music and community spirit to the heart of the city.
The parade followed its traditional route beginning at the Holly Theater, traveling east along Main Street to Old Courthouse Hill, before turning around and returning to the Holly Theater — giving spectators along the route a chance to see the parade twice.
Floats, classic cars, local organizations, businesses and community groups filled the route, with each entry announced as it passed, a feature that stood out to observers.
Now Habersham photographer Riley Moody, who covered the parade, said the personalized introductions set this year’s event apart.
“This parade was really different from the others I had been to because they announced each float and car that came through, giving every person and business some recognition in the community,” Moody said. “There was a huge turnout, too.”
Families lined sidewalks early, many bringing chairs and blankets as they waited for the parade to begin. Children waved and collected candy while holiday music echoed through the square.
The Dahlonega Christmas Parade is one of several seasonal events held in the city each December and serves as a kickoff to continued holiday festivities throughout downtown.
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