Parade Applications

Now Being Accepted

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announces that entries are now being accepted for the 2024 Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights. This year’s parade is scheduled for Thursday, December 5. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Late applications are not accepted. This is a firm deadline.

The online application is available at www.accgov.com/parade The parade application fee is $40.

This year’s theme is “Run, Run Rudolph.” Annually, more than 75 entries, including floats and performing units, compete for such prizes as ““Best Use of Theme,“ “Best Performance,” “Best Use of Lights,” and "Most Original Float." The best overall float receives the “Mayor’s Award.”

The parade begins at 7:00 p.m. on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street ending in front of the stage at City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony.

The Downtown Athens Parade of Lights is coordinated by the Leisure Services Department. It is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

Tickets Now on Sale

Athens Creative Theatre (ACT) presents "Anastasia the Musical" at the Morton Theatre in downtown Athens Thursday, November 7 through Sunday, November 10.

From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as "Ragtime" and "Once On This Island," this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Show times are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m, with matinee performances on Saturday at 2:00 p.m and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are now on sale online,or, by phone at 706-613-3771, or in person at the Morton Theatre Box Office located at 195 W. Washington Street Mondays through Fridays from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Inaugural Car Show and Concert at Sandy Creek Park

The Leisure Services Department will host its inaugural Sandy Creek BBQ, Blues, & Cruise-In. This event is scheduled for Sunday, October 13 from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park.

This event features blues bands and a car cruise-in with classic and unique vehicles. Bands scheduled to perform include Scott Low and the Blue Bouillon, Terraplane Blue, and Rick Fowelr Band. Local BBQ and dessert food vendors will be onsite with items for purchase. The event, park admission, are free of charge.

Entries will complete for unique trophies in a variety of categories including “Best in Show,” “Best Interior,” “Most Unique,” and others.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

CCSD Student Art Exhibition at Lyndon House Arts Center

The Lyndon House Arts Center (LHAC) will host the opening of the biennial Clarke County School District (CCSD)Student Art Exhibition, with this year’s theme “INSPIRED: Artworks by Students of the Clarke County School District Inspired by Athens Creatives,” on Tuesday, October 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The exhibition will be on view October 8, 2024 - January 18, 2025.

The exhibit includes works by CCSD students from kindergarten to 12th grade and feature all media including collage, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and weaving. Additionally on view will be art by the professional working artists who provided inspiration to the students.

The opening reception will take place on Tuesday, October 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at :LHAC. The evening will include performances by many talented young musicians including Clarke Central High School Honor Chamber Strings and Cedar Shoals High School Camber Strings.

All exhibitions are free of charge and open to the public. Exhibitions are on view during regular gallery hours Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note during the fall, the Lyndon House Arts Center is closed on UGA home football game Saturdays.

For more information, please call 706-613-3623.

Fun Gore-lore!

The Department will host a variety of Halloween events for goblins of all ages. Don't be scared to have fun!

Please visit www.accgov.com/halloween for a list of upcoming activities.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

No School, No Problem!

The Leisure Services Department offers a selection of programs on days when the Clarke County School District is not in session.

A variety of programs are available for elementary and middle schools students. Online registration is underway. Space is limited.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

The East Athens Educational Dance Center Presents...

The East Athens Educational Dance Center will host its fall dance concert “Take Flight” in the center’s newly upgraded presentation hall on Saturday, October 19 at 3:00 p.m.

The production features the Accelerated Dance Program displaying their skills and talents in a variety of styles. Attendees should expect to see exciting choreography created by students and professionals alike.

Tickets are now on sale online for $10 and available at the door on the day of the performance for $12 per ticket.

For more information, please call 706-613-3624.

We Need a Tree!

It's time! The Athens-Clarke County Landscape Division is looking for a donated tree to be placed in front of the City Hall for the holiday season.

The tree must be at least 35 feet high and 20 feet wide. ACCGov Landscape staff will cut down and transport the tree.

If you have tree you would like to donate call 706-613-3561.

Last Chance! Online Survey Ends this Week

The Leisure Services Department continues the process of developing a new Comprehensive Master Plan! A huge part of the process is knowing what the community values are and discovering where we need to focus our efforts in the future.

You can help us by sharing your thoughts at www.accgov.com/activateathens

The last day to complete the survey is Friday, October 4.

For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

ACCGov Leisure Services Online Registration

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports,
and holiday events for adults and children.

All registration takes place online at www.accgov.com/myrec .

ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarships

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers scholarship to qualifying Athens-Clarke County children.

Scholarships allow participants to pay less than the program fee.

For more information, including required documentation,
please visit www.accgov.com/scholarships

Georgia Recreation and Park Association

Agency of the Year

Populations: 80,000 - 150,000

2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2019, 2021, 2023

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department

205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607

www.accgov.com/leisure

706-613-3800