The White County Chamber of Commerce 40th annual Christmas in the Mountains Celebration, presented by the City of Cleveland, will commence this Saturday, Dec. 3 in downtown Cleveland. The county-wide event begins at 5 p.m., with the Christmas Vendor Market on the square from 5-8 p.m. The White County Middle School Chorus will be singing Christmas Carols on the Courthouse steps at 6:30 p.m. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place in Freedom Park at 6 p.m., and the Lighted Parade will begin at 7 p.m.
The vendor market will feature food vendors including Meaders Boiled Peanuts and Brookton Catfish School, as well as the crowd-favorite, White County Bus Drivers selling baked goods, hot chocolate, and other food items. The market will also feature vendors selling home décor, holiday gift items, apparel and more.
This year’s lighted parade will be bigger than ever with over 60 parade entries. Some returning favorites include the White County and Yonah Comp. Mountain Bike Team, the Truett McConnell Roar Band, Griffin Wrecker, and many more. The parade will begin on Hwy. 115 around Family Promise, turn on Hwy. 129 N. at the Historic White County Courthouse, and will end at Huddle House. Parking will not be available at Jack P. Nix Elementary School or on the Cleveland Square.
The City of Helen has chosen Doris Skelton to be the parade’s grand marshal. Santa will also be making an appearance at the parade, joined by his friends at Meadows at Mossy Creek. Additional parade sponsors include: Ammons Grave Restoration, Cleveland Drug Company, and United Community Bank.
“We are so excited for this year’s county-wide Christmas celebration. It’s not just Cleveland, it’s not just Helen. It’s wonderful to see it all come together,” said Ward Gann, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors and owner of Clyde’s Table and Tavern. “We can’t wait to see all of you this weekend.”