Athens Downtown Parade of Lights last night, Watkinsville Christmas parade Sunday

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said it was tracking reports of threats of violence directed at Thursday night’s Christmas parade: the ACCPD posted the following to its Facebook page in the hours before the parade:

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is aware of a social media post that indicated that there were rumors of threats to conduct a shooting at the Downtown Parade of Lights. The original social media post was shared numerous times and additional social media posts were created. ACCPD is investigating these rumors. However, our investigation has not identified any credible threat of violence concerning the Parade of Lights or the downtown area at this time. We take the safety and security of the community seriously and will continue to monitor and investigate any information implicating the security of the parade. As is our practice for any major public event, ACCPD will have appropriate levels of presence in the downtown area to monitor the safety and security of all people attending the parade.

The threats of violence notwithstanding, Athens had its annual Downtown Parade of Lights last night. Watkinsville holds its Christmas Parade Sunday. It steps off at 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon on Barnett Shoals Road and Main Street in downtown Watkinsville.

From the City of Watkinsville website…

Run of Show

1:00 PM                    Christmas Market Opens (@ Christian Church parking lot)

2:00 PM                    Main Street and Barnett Shoals Road close

3:00 PM                    Parade Line Up

4:00 PM                    Parade Begins (National Anthem)

5:30 PM                    Parade Ends

5:45 PM                    Classic City Majorettes Perform (Courthouse)

6:00 PM                    Christmas Holiday Market Closes

6:00 PM                    Singing by local Church Choirs and Schools

6:05 PM                    Welcome by Watkinsville Mayor Brodrick

6:08 PM                    Remarks by Oconee County Commission Chair John Daniell

6:10 pm                    Tree Lighting –Mayor Brodrick, Chairman Daniell, & Santa

6:15 PM                    Singing by local Church Choirs and Schools

6:15 PM                    Tree Lighting Ceremony Ends

6:15-7 PM                Pictures with Santa   (Oconee Tourism)

7:00 PM                    Main Street and Barnett Shoals Roads Reopen

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