March of the Toys Parade Returns Nov. 30

BALL GROUND, GA — The 6th Annual March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 in Ball Ground. This event marking the start of the Christmas holiday has a charitable twist, as attendees are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys to be distributed for the Toys for Tots campaign.

Collection boxes for the toys will be available at City Park and along the parade route on Main Street. Grand marshals for the parade will be Hee Haw Honeys, Diana Goodman and Victoria Hallman.

Goodman and Hallman co-wrote a book,"Hollywood Lights, Nashville Nights: Two Hee Haw Honeys Dish Life, Love, Elvis, Buck, and Good Times in the Kornfield." Before the start of the parade, the pair will be at the Parlour and Main Salon at 4 p.m. in downtown Ball Ground to sign copies of their new book. Emory Samples, son of Junior Samples of Hee Haw, will also
be participating in the parade this year.

The parade will also feature The Georgia 501st Legion (made up of Star Wars characters), Atlanta Ghost Busters, Creekview High School Marching Band, Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth Marching Band, Peachtree Clown Alley, a replica of the 1964 Batmobile, Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, princesses, superheroes, Mickey Mouse, marching bands, dancers, floats, tractors, antique cars and much more.

“We have had an unbelievable response from cosplayers from as far away as Knoxville, Tennessee, that will be appearing as superheroes and princesses,” said Tim Cavender, parade chairman.

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Some of the entrees include superheroes like Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, Supergirl, Captain Marvel, Wolverine, Cyborg, Wonder Woman, Deadpool, as well as villains such as The Penguin, Harley Quinn and Catwoman. There will also be a host of princesses and a prince, including Cinderella, Prince Charming, Ariel, Belle, The Beast, Tiana Belle, Rapunzel and Mary Poppins.

This year’s parade will feature the first appearance of Big Bird and The Grinch. Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for the fun. This parade is the only one where Santa brings snow with him when he travels down Main Street.

After the parade, cosplayers will gather at City Park so children can have their photos taken with their favorite fictional character. This is also the time when Santa makes his official arrival in the town. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be located on the stage at City Park for photos. Photos are free, so don’t forget to bring your camera.

Many of the restaurants and businesses will be open for extended hours to serve the attendees, plus, there will be food vendors on Old Dawsonville Road next to the park. The parade is one of the largest Christmas parades in North Georgia, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to avoid the rush.

“This is an awesome event that the whole family can enjoy,” Cavender added. To learn more about the event and areas to park, visit the parade's website and Facebook page.

Image via Tim Cavender