Athens Reporter

The Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is set to take place on Thursday, December 5, beginning at 7:00 p.m. This year's theme is "Run, Run Rudolph," and performing units will be judged as they reach the receiving stage next to the community tree. Float entries will vie for prizes such as "Most Original Float," "Best Use of Theme," and "Best Use of Lights." The top float overall will receive the "Mayor's Award."

The parade will start at the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street, proceed through downtown, and conclude with Santa Claus lighting the Christmas Tree in front of City Hall. A map of the parade route can be found at www.accgov.com/parade.

Olympic Gold Medalist Aaliyah Butler has been named the 2024 Parade Marshal. Ms. Butler was part of the American women's 4 by 400-meter relay team that won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is a member of the University of Georgia Track and Field team.

The event is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority.

For further details, interested parties can call 706-613-3800 or visit www.accgov.com/parade.