Downtown Waycross was full of activity from late morning into the early evening Saturday, December 13 for “Santa’s Beach Bash,” the summerthemed festival to welcome the Christmas holiday.
A host of vendors dotted a stretch of the streets in the heart of downtown with a variety of items that could quinch a thirst, fill a tummy or be turned into gifts to place under the tree next week.
The Satilla Advocacy’s “Dash and Dine” 3K Elf Run held in memory of Cindy Wade Tanner, honored for her love of running and her unwavering commitment to serving youth came in the afternoon as a prelude to the annual Waycross Christmas Parade.
The procession with dozens of floats, individuals and the sounds of the Ware County High School band traveled from Pernell Roberts Memorial Park through downtown and back to the park as night fell on the thousands lining the streets.
The Grinch left Whoville to partake in Saturday’s parade through downtown Waycross. SPECIAL PHOTO
Participants near the finish line at Phoenix Park during Saturday’s ‘Dash and Dine’ 3K Elf run. Photo By RICK HEAD
Many of the floats in the parade embraced the fest’s beach theme ranging from Santa on a surf board to a volleyball competition on a sand court.
The festival was originally scheduled for the previous week, but a forecast of all-day rain — which was spot on — prompted officials to postpone it a week. Saturday’s weather cooperated with a warm, sunny afternoon that gave way to a pleasant early evening perfect for a sweatshirt or light jacket.
Hoboken also held its parade Saturday night after being postponed from the week before. Nahunta, which also had its Christmas festival and parade scheduled for December 6, will now stage its event Saturday with the parade at noon.
