James RogersThe city of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., is partnering with the Fort Oglethorpe Tourism Association to host the 2017 Christmas at the Post. The holiday celebration will be held on Barnhardt Circle's polo field in Fort Oglethorpe on Saturday, Dec. 9, beginning at 4 p.m.
This year's event is expanding to include a Christmas market featuring gifts, arts, crafts, decor, services and food. There will be Christmas music and shopping before the annual Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Hometown favorite James Rogers is this year's parade grand marshal.
Visits with Santa and a fireworks finale will follow the parade. Event organizers are asking everyone to bring new, unwrapped toys for donation to Catoosa County's Stocking Full of Love children's Christmas fund.
"The best place to see the parade and enjoy all the family fun festivities is on the polo field, where parking is free. Come early, shop, eat, enjoy the parade and make new Christmas memories with your family," says Paula Stinnett, Fort Oglethorpe councilwoman.
"This is the first time in the history of the city's parade that we've had a Christmas market and fireworks. You won't want to miss it," she adds.
The theme for this year's parade is The Christmas Express. Prizes will be awarded for the best theme-related, most creative and best-decorated floats. There is no fee to participate in the parade, but all parade entries must submit a parade application.
For more information, call 706-858-4639 or visit www.fortogov.com for parade application. For a Christmas market vendor application, call 706-861-2860 or e-mail chris@6thcavalrymuseum.com.