As the countdown to Christmas begins, the first weekend in December held lots of celebrations for residents to enjoy.

Among the festivals on Saturday, Flowery Branch held its sixth annual Flowery Branch Jingle Jog, Roll ‘n Stroll and Christmas Tree Lighting. The event started with a 5K road race and ended with a tree lighting ceremony.

Lula welcomed the community for its annual Christmas in the Park celebration, featuring music, vendor booths from local businesses and the much-anticipated parade that marks the arrival of Santa.

Andrea Taylor of Buford started her morning in Flowery Branch with the Jingle Jog, followed by free crafts during breakfast with Santa. She joined her son and husband to make decorative ornaments for their tree.

“(The Jingle Jog) was so fun and seeing everyone who participated with their elf outfits and their Santa hats, and their red,” Taylor said. “It really just adds a lot of spark and spunk and excitement.”

Happy she didn’t finish last, Taylor was able to shave 10 minutes of her time, but really enjoyed being able to spend time bonding with her family.

“We come as often as we can,” Taylor said. “It’s just a feel good thing-a feel good activity, a feel good day all the way around. I think anyone and everyone would benefit, from the little ones in the strollers to the bigger ones in their elf costumes.”

Taylor and her family are regulars at many of the other 5Ks throughout the year, and enjoy having a celebration close to home.

“It would be shame if the community would not take advantage and support the smaller towns. I know Atlanta has stuff all the time but, my gosh, there’s stuff right in your backyard,” Taylor said.

Living not far from Lula, Jill Harn of Alto brought her three daughters to the Christmas in the Park in Lula to meet Santa.

“(They are excited) about the parade,” Harn said while waiting for the start.

Although Santa doesn’t arrive until after the parade, his work shop, located next to the park was open photos in front of the decorated tree and miniature doll houses.

“It’s affordable and it’s something fun for kids,” Harn said.

Live music filled the air as various artists preformed Christmas favorites. Businesses gave out sugary treats, hot cocoa and apple cider.

“I love it,” Pete Turpin, of the Lula Main Street Gospel said from one of the busiest booths on the block. “This is my time.”

Vendor Christine Wilson, owner of Mad About Paint in Clermont, chose to have a booth in Flowery Branch because of the great community support she’s seen.

“It seems like Flowery Branch is really involved in the community, and they’re really good about supporting people,” Wilson said.

With the day full of activities, starting with hayrides at noon, live music and dance routines throughout the day, leading up to the parade at 3 p.m. and the tree lighting at 6 p.m., there was plenty to do.

“(The parade) is nice because you get a lot kids in here and it’s something for them to remember the holiday with. They can look and start a tradition and come back every year and do it,” Wilson said. “They always do it right, everything looks great and it’s very well-organized.”

Children had the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, be hands-on at the toolbox building station sponsored by Home Depot, or play with colors creating sand art.

“There’s always a good turnout, it’s very family-oriented,” Wilson said.

As the sun went down in Lula, crowds began to gather along Main Street as it got closer to 6 p.m. when the parade was scheduled to start.

Kathy Arteaga of Lula was at the square to support many of her friends and the community.

“It’s nice,” Arteaga said about the festival, with all the crowds milling around together. “That way you get to know everybody better.”

Between the music, the bounce house for the kids, and the live nativity there was something for everyone to enjoy celebrating the season.

“I liked it when it gets dark because it makes it more mysterious,” Arteaga said. “And with the hot chocolate, it’s more like Christmas.”