LIGHTING UP THE STREETS: Making a return from this year's Omega Pepper Festival was the eclectically decorated "It's A Small World" float by Randy Paulk, now further accented with dazzling Christmas lights strung about the van and decorating the hood.

TIFTON — Rain may have postponed the initial celebration, but nothing could wash away the holiday spirit coming to town this past weekend.

Christmas cheer came just the same to Tifton the evening of Dec. 9 as the residents of the Friendly City gathered together to enjoy the festivities of Hometown Holidays.

First announced as canceled due to the forecasted inclement weather on Dec. 2, the initially scheduled date, city organizers were determined to kick off the most wonderful time of the year with a holiday celebration, rescheduling many of their planned events for the following weekend.

The annual Christmas parade returned for another year to dazzle Tifton’s residents, showcasing many prominent names in the community, decked out in lights, decorations, and festive red and green, as they marched down 2nd St.

Several of the floats and participants in the procession dressed themselves up in accordance with the celebration’s theme, “Down Home Country Christmas,” bringing a more homegrown and heartfelt aesthetic to the holiday celebration.

Once the parade had passed by, the festivities moved downtown to 1st St., in front of City Hall.

The December night was far from silent, as in addition to musical performances throughout the evening, patrons were offered an assortment of holiday activities, including roasting marshmallows over an open fire for making delicious smores and a handful of inflatable attractions, refreshments from local food vendors like Cole’s Cakery and Los Tamales Autenticas, and plenty of scenic picture stations for taking those unforgettable festive photos.

Shortly after the downtown party began, Mayor Julie Smith took the stage to thank the community for coming out for the celebration, as well as the hard work of Tyron and Sandra Spearman, who had served as the parade grand marshals.

Smith was proud to recognize the star performers in the Christmas parade, awarding Chino and Letty’s Place Best in Show for bringing their own miniature parade to the holiday procession, El Metate Best Parade Theme for their “down home country” parade float, and the Flawless Divas Dance Academy Best Walking Unit for their stunning show as part of the parade.

Afterward, she invited her fellow community members in lighting the set of trees at City Hall, encouraging them to believe in the spirit of Christmas with all their heart.

The lights on the trees shone brilliantly, but quickly dimmed, and Smith urged the gathered crowd to try once again, believing with all their heart and soul in Christmas. and like a miracle, the trees shined even brighter before, and Father Christmas himself appeared to join the festivities.

Once he had finished with his grand entrance, jolly old Saint Nick settled in the foyer of City Hall, inviting the good little boys and girls of Tifton to sit on his lap and let him know what they wanted most for Christmas.

The festivities continued well into the night, with the whole community coming together for dancing, caroling, and spreading Christmas cheer. The celebration may not have been what was initially planned, but joy, a good night, and a happy Hometown Holidays was still had by all.