Augusta, Grovetown and Wrens roll out the Christmas fun

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - After being delayed from last weekend, Augusta’s Christmas tree-lighting festival will take place Saturday, as will the parade.

In Augusta

The Christmas parade will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, starting at 10th and Greene streets, traveling down to Seventh Street and looping back on Telfair Street.

Proceeds from the parade benefit the families of critically ill children who are staying with Ronald McDonald House Charities during the holiday season.

Augusta’s Christmas Light Up Spectacular and Tree Lighting will take place from 4-7 p.m. Saturday at the Augusta Common downtown.

The lighting of the Christmas tree and fireworks show will begin at 6:15 p.m. Other activities will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a train ride, a Christmas craft village for kids and the mayor’s Christmas card contest.

Entertainment will be provided by the Richmond County School System’s elementary, middle, and high school students.

In Wrens

The city held a pre-Christmas movie night Friday at the Wrens walking track.

Wrens’ newest police officer, K-9 Harlowe, was there to meet the public.

“We’re able to take them to events, such as the one that we’re having here, been able to get them into businesses, take them to the elementary school shows the kids a different side of law enforcement,” said John Maynard, Wrens chief of police.

Law enforcement is hoping she will help decrease crime while being a friend to the community.

“We can’t be naive to the point that we have three major highways that run through our city. And we can’t be naive to the fact that we know that narcotics run up and down the streets. We know this. So Harlowe is gonna be a huge asset to us to be able to use her in those situations to where we know that narcotics was probably there,” he said.

Dogs like Harlowe can cost up to $20,000, but for the Wrens Police Department, she was free. Quality K9 donated Harlowe, The Shield Club paid for her training, and the Georgia Police K9 Foundation paid for her equipment.

PJ Hambrick is the Assistant Police Chief. He said, “We just always thought that the canine was just outside of our reach because of the cost, you know, with the equipment, the training, you know, they maintain the dog. And, you know, just this just a blessing.”

Helping in many different ways.

“She is trained to detect the odor of narcotics, and she’s a tracking dog as well. She can track someone who may be fleeing from us. Look for missing children or missing persons. She’s trained in all aspects of tracking as well as detection,” he said.

Providing safety so people in Wrens can have extra protection at community events.

Councilwoman Michelle Weatherford-Usry said: “Just met Harlowe, and she’s a wonderful dog. We’re very glad to have her on our police force here. It’s really positive. I saw a lot of children come up and pet her and want to talk to her, and she did well.”

In Grovetown

Grovetown held its Christmas Festival from 5-9 p.m. Friday at Liberty Park.

There was live entertainment, vendors, a train ride and a Christmas tree lighting, in addition to free photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Carol the Elf.

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