Preparations continue for festive holiday season
New decorations are going up across Rockmart as preparations continue for a festive tree lighting ceremony and parade.
The City has purchased a new 28-foot tree, which will be placed in front of the bay doors of the building housing the Polk Chamber of Commerce office at 133 South Marble Street.
Additionally, staff from Rockmart Public Works Department has placed new lights. Stevie Waits, Teddy Yarbrough and Williard Williams braved the cold to place new additions along Elm Street.
“We will place about 40 ornaments,” said Yarbrough. “Instead of the white snowflakes, people can drive through and enjoy these mult-colored additions during the holiday season.”
Mayor Steve Miller said the new décor would include several “other surprises” to delight the young and young at heart. One of these will be placed in front of The Depot and visible from Elm Street.
The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1. A musical program is planned for the occasion and everyone is invited to come downtown and enjoy the first of several holiday activities in Rockmart.
“The Christmas Gift” is the theme of the annual parade, which will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. A rain date has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Miller will lead participants along the designated route from the Rockmart Government Complex (old high school), down Piedmont Avenue, right on Elm and left at Marble Street.
Bands and floats will travel down Marble, left on Maple and then to Slate Street. All other parade participants will turn right on Maple Street.
Highlighting the parade will be the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. They will stop downtown at the Rockmart Historical Museum on Marble Street.
This year’s theme should be incorporated into the construction of floats. A panel of judges will select winners with first place receiving $500; second, $300 and third, $200 in both the church and school / non-profit categories.
Additionally, a prize of $300 will be presented to the winner of the commercial category.
All units that wish to be judged in the float competition must be in place by 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot (College Street) near the Rockmart Government Complex. All other participants must be in place by 5:45 p.m.
In order to participate, applications must be submitted to the Parade Committee by December 3. The paperwork must be completed for any group sponsoring participants in the parade including floats, walkers, cars, trucks, bicycles, and vehicles representing any civic or nonprofit group, club, school, church, or commercial. Registration forms are provided for floats and one for non-floats.
Rockmart Police Chief Keith Sorrells asks parade participants to take note of the rule that prohibits throwing candy or toys from a car or float. He is concerned that a young child could be injured if they run into the street to pick up either item. Other parade rules are: All drivers must read all rules and sign a waiver.
No live impersonation of Santa will be permitted. Santa and Mrs. Clause will be at the end of the parade and stop downtown for a chat with children.
All riders should be sitting or have a secure hand or prop to grasp.
All tailgates on trucks should be firmly latched in the upright position.
Do not allow riders to hang over the side of your truck or trailer. An adult should ride with or walk along the side if children are participating.
Do not throw or shoot confetti or any other object that will be left on the streets.
Do not exit the float as long as it is in motion since you could be injured.
Do not allow those rid- ing on the float to leave it until it reaches the end. If this rule is not followed, your float could be disqualified.
Remember the parade is at night. The streetlights will emit light but you should use lights on your float. Do not burn candles or have any open flame that could result in a fire.
Drivers must have a valid Georgia Drivers License.
Reckless/erratic driving will be prohibited and motorcyclists must wear helmets and those under age 18 riding a bicycle must wear a helmet.
Cars are not allowed to park in the float parking area and animals must have a clean up detail.
And, no street vendors are allowed.
Violation of these rules can mean disqualification.
For more information, email rcac@rockmartga.gov or call 770-684-5454.