Ice Skating Rink New to Cartersville Christmas Tree Lighting Festivities

Festivities leading up to the Cartersville Christmas parade—set for Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m.—include the annual tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa and new this year, ice skating for children.

The lighting of the Christmas tree in Friendship Plaza is set for 5:59 p.m., just prior to the Cartersville Exchange Club's annual holiday parade, according to the Downtown Development Authority. Entertainment and activities prior to the tree lighting ceremony include photos with Santa, dance performances, a choral performance of O Holy Night, and the rink sponsored by Family Savings Credit Union and Kasasa.

"The Christmas parade is a wonderful tradition for downtown Cartersville, and I am so excited about the various activities that go along with the event," DDA Manager Tara Currier said in a statement. "The DDA decided to move the tree lighting ceremony to the night of the Christmas parade several years ago, which I think was a wonderful idea. 

"The first Thursday in December has really evolved into an entire evening of holiday fun and festivities. I encourage people to head downtown early to enjoy the array of activities in and around Friendship Plaza which will include photo opportunities with Santa, holiday music and performances, and new this year, an ice skating rink made possible through the sponsorship of Family Savings Credit Union and Kasasa.”

The ice skating rink on Museum Drive—opposite the railroad tracks from the Cartersville Welcome Center—opens at 3:30 p.m. Skates will be provided, and the activity is free to enjoy. Personnel on hand will insure all skaters have a fair amount of skating time, and will limit the number of skaters allowed on the ice at one time. 

"On behalf of the DDA board of directors and staff, we are so grateful for the sponsorship of Family Savings Credit Union and Kasasa for providing this incredibly unique activity in conjunction with our Christmas Tree Lighting festivities," Currier added. "What child in Bartow County ever thought he would be able to ice skate in downtown Cartersville?! It’s definitely an exciting addition, and we are thrilled these companies chose to sponsor our event and provide such a great opportunity for the local community to enjoy."

Here's the schedule of events leading up to the tree lighting and parade:

3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Ice Skating at the rink on Museum Drive. 

Beginning at 4 p.m.

Free photos with Santa Claus in Friendship Plaza (bring your own camera to capture the moment). 

5 p.m.

Fusion Dance Company performs. 

5:30 p.m.

Cartersville School of Ballet takes the stage and Cartersville resident Savannah Lowery sings O Holy Night, as she has the past several years.

5:59 p.m.

Mayor Pro Tem Dianne Tate officially lights the Christmas tree lighting, and onlookers turn their attention to Main Street for the Christmas parade.

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