Toy Run, Christmas Parade in Store for Canton

There are plenty of things to see and do this weekend in Cherokee County, but arguably the two biggest events outside the candlelight vigil for Jorelys Rivera held on Sunday are the 32nd Annual North Georgia Toy Run and Canton's Annual Christmas Parade and Festival.

Saturday, Dec. 1 will see downtown Canton festooned with winter bliss as the Annual Christmas Parade and Festival comes to town. Sponsored by the Canton Optimist Club, the events last all day and include live music in Cannon Park, vendors and even a visit from Santa between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.! The parade will begin at 6 p.m. at Auto Zone on Waleska Street.

The Toy Run, sponsored by Custom Riders Motorcycle Club and Hartman Cycles, is a motorcycle ride between Cherokee and Pickens counties that will be held on Sunday, Dec. 2. All toys collected in this drive go straight to needy local families as opposed to being shipped to places across the country.

The bikes, lead by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, will leave the Kroger in Macedonia at 12:30 p.m. The motorcyclists, each carrying two toys, ride two by two down Highway 20 through Canton, where they stop at the Moose Lodge. Following this, the entourage takes Interstate 575 towards Jasper and the Georgia Mountains Hospice. At their two stops, the motorcycle enthusiasts deliver their toys to thankful local families.

"I seldom if ever ride in any charity ride anymore because …well I just don’t," said a participant in an e-mail from Pickens County EMS. "But this ride, it’s different. It is for the real riders. Those who never let weather stand in the way. This year I am taking vacation time just to attend because it’s that special to me. I cant miss it! If you get the chance to get a participant point of view, dress warm and enjoy the show!!"