While there are certainly more elaborate Christmas parades, nothing quite captures the Classic City’s quirky DIY spirit like the Downtown Athens Parade of Lights. And there are several ways to revisit the Dec. 5 festivities, in addition to Flagpole‘s photo gallery.
The Athens-Clarke County government is broadcasting the most recent parade at noon and 7 p.m. on channel 180 for Spectrum subscribers. In addition, there will be a 48-hour marathon of past parades on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
In addition, videos of parades dating back to 2003 are available for those with Roku streaming devices by searching “accgov” on the Roku app. They’re also available on YouTube at youtube.com/accgov or on the county website at accgov.com/parade.
This year’s community Christmas tree was donated by Judge Eric Norris and his family. The 2024 Downtown Athens Parade of Lights Parade Marshal was Aaliyah Butler, a track and field gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Float winners included:
- Mayor’s Award for Best Overall Float: Firefly Home School Community
- Best Use of Theme (Corporate / Business): Appletree Prep Athens
- Best Use of Lights (Corporate / Business): Family Pro Window Cleaning
- Most Original (Corporate / Business): Glass Doctor of Athens
- Best Use of Theme (Club / Church / Nonprofit): Downtown Academy
- Best Use of Lights (Club / Church / Nonprofit): Northeast Georgia Hockey Association
- Most Original (Club / Church / Nonprofit): Eastern Piedmont Beekeepers Association
- Best Use of Theme (Government / School): Clarke County Sheriff’s Office
- Best Use of Lights (Government / School): ACCGov Solid Waste Department
- Most Original (Government / School): Double Helix STEAM School
- Best Performing Unit (Dance / Twirl / Step): Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School Step Team
- Best Performing Unit (Marching Bands & Military): Clarke Central High School JROTC
- Best Performing Unit (Novelty / Martial Arts): Classic City Roller Derby
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