Christmas Fest returns to Toccoa tonight, with some changes due to rain

Christmas Fest returns to Toccoa tonight. According to Main Street Toccoa Events Coordinator Sharon Crosby the city has planned several entertainment options for families to enjoy.

She says Christmas Fest will kick-off with the annual City of Toccoa Christmas Tree lighting at 6 p.m., and the festivities will continue until 9 p.m.

Unlike previous Christmas Fest, this year, the event will be spaced out so attendees can be socially distant.

Another change this year, is the Festival of Trees, which is normally held inside the Stephens County Historic Courthouse; however, Crosby says the trees will be set up outside of various local businesses.

Crosby adds that even the annual Sage Market will be set up differently. She says due to rain, the Sage Market will be moved to the Mitchell Allen Room inside the Currahee Military Museum.

Additionally, the Toccoa Carolers will be moved to the Ritz Theatre.

Tugaloo Holler, was slated to perform tonight, but Crosby says they are no longer going to perform.

Toccoa on Ice was slated to begin tonight alongside Christmas Fest; however, due to rain, it has been canceled and will be open on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

As WNEG News has reported, one event will not be returning this year—and that’s Christmas in the Paul Anderson Park.

Normally, Christmas in the Paul Anderson Park kicks-off Toccoa’s Christmas Fest; however, due to COVID-19 the Paul Anderson Memorial Park Board Members felt like the park was too small to hold the event.

According to Board Member Cynthia Sanders the decision to cancel was a tough one to make.

Sanders says the board is looking forward to 2021 when they hope Christmas in the Paul Anderson Park can return.