Swainsboro Christmas Parade Cancelled; Other Activities Planned

After careful consideration, the planning committee for the Swainsboro Christmas Parade has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Christmas Parade. With the continued spread of COVID-19 within the community, the parade committee is working to organize other Holiday activities that the public can enjoy while social distancing.

Planned activities include a Holiday-themed Drive-In Movie experience, enhanced displays downtown with interactive elements at Patriots Park, and Holiday promotions to encourage shopping with local retailers. Additional details regarding these activities, and others that are currently in the works, will be announced soon.

While the parade committee is saddened by the cancellation of this year’s event, the decision was made in the interest of the community’s health and safety.  In the parade’s absence, the group looks forward to providing new experiences for the community to enjoy during this unusual Holiday season.

The Swainsboro Christmas Parade is held annually on the first Thursday of December. Next year’s event is scheduled for December 2, 2021.

(Photo courtesy of EGSC)

City Hall Closed Veterans Day

Swainsboro City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. The drop box will be open for utility payments, or they may be made online by clicking here. City Hall will reopen on Thursday, November 12th at 9:00 a.m.

To all those who have served, and those who continue to serve, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Happy Veterans Day!

Garden Club to Rededicate Blue Star Highway Marker

The public is invited to attend Seedling Garden Club’s rededication of the Blue Star Memorial Highway marker. The ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Veterans Day, in front of the Emanuel County Courthouse.

DAR Places Flags at Patriots Park

The Governor David Emanuel – Adam Brinson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has placed American Flags around Patriots Park in honor of Veterans Day. Thank you to our local DAR chapter for continuing this annual project.

Downtown Fountain Turns Purple for Alzheimer’s Awareness

The Patriots Park fountain in downtown Swainsboro displays a purple hue in observance of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Thank you to the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Parks & Recreation Department for dyeing the fountain to help bring awareness to this disease.

Guidelines for Trick-or-Treating

Due to the continuing threat of COVID-19, the City of Swainsboro is recommending all Halloween activities observe a strict safety protocol including masks, social distancing, and hand sanitization. This is especially important for door-to-door trick-or-treating. Many homes may choose not to participate, and the wishes of those residents must be respected. Please observe all traffic, pedestrian, and health and safety regulations if you plan to participate in Halloween activities.

Arts Center Awarded GCA Grant

The Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Arts Center was recently awarded a $75,000 Cultural Facilities Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts. The grant will be used to purchase new mechanical systems, including HVAC components, for the arts center. Once complete, The Karrh Center will feature a fully restored historic theater, offices for the Emanuel Arts Council, gallery space, community meeting space, educational space, and more.