PHOTOS BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CRAFTSTRAVAGANZA … Half of the Swanton High School gymnasium was filled with tables and shoppers during a craft show held as part of Christmas in Swanton festivities.
THE MAN HIMSELF … 5-year-old Kashton Stacey (left) and 3-year-old Kaden Stacey smile with Santa at Swanton High School Saturday during the annual Christmas in Swanton.
GRAND MARSHALL … A horse-drawn carriage carries Christmas in Swanton parade Grand Marshall Christine Elliott.
CHRISTMAS CONCESSIONS … Swanton High School sophomore Julianna Avery (left) and junior Abigail Kosier (right) sell concessions in the cafeteria during a craft fair held at the school during the Christmas in Swanton celebrations.
HERE WE COME A-WASSAILING … The driver of a beefed up classic pickup truck carrying faux libation barrels from the American Winery and American Brewery waves to attendees at Saturday’s Christmas parade in Swanton.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
Residents turned out in droves Friday and Saturday for the annual Christmas in Swanton celebrations last week.
Festivities kicked off Friday night, when dozens braved the chill night air to see the lighting of the Christmas tree in Pilliod Park.
In addition to the new tree, planted after its predecessor grew too tall to manage, attendees were greeted with free cookies and hot chocolate, food trucks, carolers, and a “train” ride around the park to see all the lights and get hit by a foam shooter.
Events went into high gear on Saturday, beginning with a craft fair held at Swanton High School. Hundreds of attendees milled about, buying everything from decorations and treats to knicknacks, clothing, and jewelry from tables set up throughout the lobby and main hall as well as the gymnasium.
Children could also have their faces painted, get a balloon animal, and enjoy a large model train setup installed by Golden Eagle and Freedom Valley Model Trains.
Concessions were sold in the cafeteria, and throughout the hall echoed the sound of Christmas music played on piano by SHS Choir Director Jayce Bender. A small photo booth featuring a white reindeer and sleigh were also available for attendees’ use.
At midmorning, the Christmas parade set off down Main Street, with a wide variety of eye-catching floats.
Among them were a lifted classic pickup truck bearing large barrels labeled “beer” and “wine,” a group of six specialty tow trucks from Bubba’s Towing, and local celebrity Sterlena the cow from the Fulton County Fair Grounds. The parade also featured a performance by the SHS marching band.
All the participants were generous with the candy they threw to the hundreds of people lining Main Street, but none so generous as Santa himself, who rode in a pickup truck sponsored by the Delta Candy Emporium.
After the parade, Santa made a stop at the high school where eager children lined up with their parents for the chance to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas.