Busy Holiday Weekend in Toccoa

Downtown Toccoa will host its annual "Christmas Fest" and activities begin tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.  Toccoa Main Street Events Coordinator Sharon Crosby said this year's "Christmas Fest" will have many things to do for all ages.  "We will have carriage rides," said Crosby.  "We invite everybody to come.  It is a beautiful ride through the downtown (area).  Santa will be there for the children."  Other festivities will include an inspirational drama from St. Matthias Episcopal Church of Toccoa, a play in the historic courthouse at 6 p.m., Papa's Little Choo Choo, entertainment from the SCHS chorus and The Dance Studio plus the lighting of the Christmas tree at 8 p.m.  Christmas Sage Market will be open on Friday and Saturday and will have decorations and gifts from local artists and crafters.  In addition to the Christmas Fest activities, the Festival of Trees will be on display in the historic Courthouse.  "There will be several charities and non-profits represented," said Crosby.  "We invite everyone to come and vote for their favorites tree and all of the proceeds will go to that charity(they vote for)."  The tree with the most votes gets and additional $500 for their charity. "It is an easy way for us to be able to help out at this time of the year," said Crosby.  The annual Christmas parade begins Saturday at 4 p.m. in downtown Toccoa plus Truckers for Kids will hold its annual toy run at Stephens County High School.  Christmas Fest concludes Sunday at 4 p.m. with the annual Toccoa Symphony Christmas Concert at Georgia Baptist Conference Center.