eMetro Times January 2018 Digital | Page 8

Page 8 January 2018 FAMILY LIVING ’TWAS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY IN ROCKDALE AND NEWTON COUNTY CONYERS, GA Y es, its the MOST wonderful time of the year in Rockdale and Newton county! Many gathered in December to help kick off the holidays! Long lines and lots of silly laughter lined the streets on Friday night, December 1st for a Christmas party. The Christmas party featured train rides, pictures with Santa, carriage rides and hot chocolate. On Saturday, December 2nd, children and families lined the streets of Olde Town Conyers with big smiles and bright eyes, hoping to see Santa. Several groups were represented in this years parade including Costly Mill Park, Covington-Conyers Cycling Club, Olde Town Merchants Association and many schools in the area. The fire department and police department also took part with their floats in the parade. The outgoing mayor, Randy Mills rode side by side with the incoming new mayor, Vince Evans on a shiny red convertible. This is noteworthy for our community right now, as Mayor Vince Evans will be taking over at the beginning of the new year! COVINGTON, GA T he parade in the Covington Square took place on Saturday December 2nd as well. The Covington parade was put on by the Covington Lions Club. Some of the groups that participated were Kidz in Step, Alcovy FFA, Piedmont Newton and a lot of local schools in the area. The winners of the 2017 float awards are as follows: Tabernacle of Praise was the overall winner, Newton Federal Bank took first place for businesses, Sherry’s Playroom took first place for schools, Service Guild of Covington took first place for civics and Newton County Girl Scouts Float #2 (Troops 18012, 18013, 12549 and 5037) took first place for scouts. There were marching bands and dancers setting the mood with loud festive music and cheerful Christmas smiles! Even the Grinch and Santa showed up for both of the parades! PORTERDALE, GA O n December 9th and 10th, Porterdale also celebrated the holidays with their Light Up the Night Christmas. The parade took place on Saturday at 6pm, in spite of the winter storm that hit the east Atlanta area. On Sunday, the 10th at 3pm they had Tuba Christmas in the Village at 3pm. This performance took place at Porter Memorial Gym. The whole community was merry and bright! Lauren Roberts Editor and Project Director