Arts Clayton has received an overwhelming response from folks all across the Southern Crescent, telling how much they enjoyed the day’s festivities. Kids of all ages shared in the excitement and fun. There were nearly 2000 registered entrants participating this year, and according to police and fire officials, several thousand more were on hand as spectators and vendors! Ms. Belinda Skelton from the Neal Boortz talk show on WSB Radio presided as the 2007 Holiday at Home Parade Celebrity Grand Marshall.

Presented annually by Arts Clayton, with support from the Clayton County Commission, the City of Jonesboro, and thanks to parade host Chick-fil-A and the annual sponsorship of Heritage Bank of Jonesboro, the Holiday at Home Parade brings together civic organizations, schools, churches, businesses and local agencies for this community-wide celebration. This year’s parade featured over a dozen floats, six high school marching bands, ROTC units, community groups and organizations, fire trucks, vintage cars, a full size locomotive and boxcar, horses and riders, dance and drill teams, police safety vehicles, and of course one of the all-time kids’ favorite, Sparkey the Fire Dog. As a very special treat, Mr. Santa Claus made his annual appearance at the end of the parade officially ushering in the holiday season. Parade entries were judged and a total of $1075 in award money was given back to the community, along with ribbons and certificates of recognition; see the winner’s list below!

For added enjoyment, the City of Jonesboro sponsored a street festival along Main Street with booths featuring gifts, crafts, food, fun and entertainment for everyone. At the conclusion of the Parade, the Giant Christmas Tree on the courthouse lawn was lit followed by music and a street dance in downtown Jonesboro!

"It was so wonderful to see the community come together once again, sharing together in all the fun and excitement for this amazing event! The Holiday at Home Parade is a signature event for Arts Clayton and it has become an annual tradition on the Atlanta South Side. There were entries from Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Fulton, Henry, Spalding, Pike, Lamar and Rockdale counties this year. We thank everyone for their support, involvement and contribution to this community-wide effort," said Linda Summerlin, Executive Director of Arts Clayton.

Always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, mark your calendar now for the 2008 Holiday at Home Parade on Saturday, November 22nd! If you or your organization would like to be added to our participant invitation list, you may email your contact information to Arts Clayton.