CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
The 38 th Annual Christmas
By Hayli Zuccola
Christmas around the World
The Christmas season fell upon Live Oak on the first of December to mark the 38th Annual Christmas on the Square .
The annual three-day celebration , the theme of which was “ A Storybook Christmas ,” began with the always popular tree lighting ceremony by Mayor Davis before the kids ’ 1-mile fun run and Jingle Bell Fun Run / Walk 5K kicked off with drinks for the runners provided by Inside Out Nutrition .
When the race concluded , those ringing in the holiday spirit gathered at Millennium Park to enjoy a Christmas movie at the park alongside hot chocolate , popcorn funded by First Federal Bank and cookies from Riveroak Technical College . on the Square
For those looking for a crisp chill in the air , Snow on the Square provided over 30 tons of snow , snow piles and four slides , which helped create a picture-perfect winter ambiance .
As the night began to fall , the Coca-Cola Santa made a grand appearance in a lighted semi-truck to gift free toys to over 2,000 children . A stunning firework display sponsored by Busy Bee rounded out the evening with just one day left to close out the beloved event .
Bright and early Saturday morning at 8 a . m ., vendors opened their booths once again in downtown Live Oak to eager patrons seeking last-minute holiday gifts for friends , family and let ’ s face it , a few for themselves too . Food favorites were in abundance as well as live entertainment and a car show , but while the vendors closed up shop and the live entertainment ceased at 4 p . m ., the event wouldn ’ t be complete without the lighted Christmas parade .
Friday ’ s festivities began at 4 p . m . with a sold-out lineup of over 285 vendors from across the United States who took up every inch of the allotted 300 spaces . Arts and craft vendors selling handmade goods , treats and more ; food vendors , an agriculture exhibit and live entertainment took over historic downtown Live Oak .
Over 50 entries themed to this year ’ s theme of “ A Storybook Christmas ” participated in the parade – the biggest turnout of any year prior – to help light the night and close out another successful year of Christmas on the Square .
122 SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT | 2023-2024