March of the Toys Parade Set For Dec. 1

BALL GROUND, GA -- The 5th Annual March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots will march into Ball Ground at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. Attendees to the parade are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots campaign, which distributes these items to less fortunate children in the metro Atlanta area.

Collection boxes for the toys will be available at City Park and along the parade route on Main Street that night. This year’s Grand Marshal will be Alex Quarles, a local actor who recently appeared as Tom Cruise’s son in the highly-anticipated Hollywood film, "American Made."

The parade will feature the Georgia State University Pantherettes, who have appeared in the motion picture "The Watch" starring Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn and the TV show "Drop Dead Rivals." Other participants include the Creekview High School Marching Band, Christian Fine Arts of Forsyth Marching Band, the Get to the Pointe dancers, beauty queens, 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, princesses, and Star Wars characters,” said Tim Cavender, parade chairman. Some of the entrees include characters such as Batman, Spiderman, The Flash, Captain America, the yellow Power Ranger, Wonder Woman, Deadpool, Batwoman and many more.

There will also be a host of princesses, too. Plus, members from the 501st Rebel Legion will be participating as their favorite Star Wars characters. This year’s parade will feature the first-time appearances by R2D2 and the Atlanta Ghostbusters. Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie from "Nightmare Before Christmas" will be marching in the parade along Main Street.

Following the parade, cosplayers will gather at City Park so children can have their photos taken with their favorite fictional characters. This is also the time when Santa Claus makes his official arrival to the town, and he will set up shop on the stage at the park for photos. Of course, photos are free, so don't forget to bring your camera.

Another notable event that will take place during the evening will be the Enchanted Evergreen Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. The show will be held in three of the buildings at Main Street and Old Dawsonville Road, and runs from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.

Many of the restaurants will be open for extended hours to serve the attendees, and food and other vendors along Old Dawsonville Road will allow you to satisfy your appetite and knock out some Christmas shopping.

“This is an awesome event that the whole family can enjoy,” Cavender added.

To learn more about the event, www.marchofthetoysparade.com.

Images via Tim Cavender