Turn out the lights, the party is over. Well, turn out the candle might be more appropriate. It wasn't the ending to the Christmas season we wanted but it's the one we got. When the candle was installed for the first time 3 years ago, there were many concerns for how it would be secured if the wind was rough. There were fail safes in place and they were tested today and they worked! Now we have a whole year to plan even stronger measures. We continue to be grateful for this season and all it means and look forward to a new year with all our citizens, visitors, neighbors, businesses, family and friends. Here is to a wonderful and prosperous 2026!!
The weather may be really nasty today but our crew has been busy working on a Christmas present for our citizens. Soon we will have a walking path at City Hall with a compacted surface suitable for walkers, runners, strollers, tricycles, pups and cats. The Trail Committee has worked hard to make this a reality and now it is finally happening. The almost mile long trail is just the first of several planned recreational projects on the site. Stay tuned for updates!!
Who knew we would have a white Christmas parade?? Santa brought a little extra magic this year and the countdown for the candle lighting was accompanied by falling snow. There were so many wonderful floats and congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to the Rabun County Chamber for co-hosting the event. Linda, Rick and Mickey go above and beyond. Thanks to our Mayor Roy Quilliams and Mayor Pro Tem Stacy Fountain for handing out candy, Council woman Althea Bleckley for serving as a judge and Council woman Sarah Gillespie for assisting with emcee duties. A super huge thank you to all the city public works, parks and police department staff who do so much behind the scenes. It truly would not happen without their hard work. They help prep the candle, the sleigh, put out all the barricades, close the roads and then clean up all the candle left behind. Events like these remind us that it is all about community. It was a great night to be in Clayton!
You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to Town.... Admit it, you sang that, didn't you??? Sleigh is ready, candy loaded, candle in place and Max is chomping at the bit to get started! See you all downtown for the parade and candle lighting!!!
It takes all the elves to get ready for Christmas. Some are more help than others but all are appreciated. Downtown is lit up with snowflakes and beautiful storefronts and ready for the parade and next weekends cookie crawl.
The sleigh is in the shop getting the final tune up before the parade. Time to check the reindeer shoes too. There may or may not have been a bit of shenanigans.
'Twas the week before the Parade and all through the square the new banners were hung on the poles with care! Thank you Amanda, at Ten Roof, for these awesome new designs.
The most wonderful time of the year! Well, our public works crew might not think so because it falls on them to transform downtown into a Christmas carol but they do it with a smile! Thankful for all they do for the City.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from everyone at the City of Clayton. Auggie says he is Thankful to call Clayton home.
Although it feels like summer, Christmas is right around the corner and that means it's time for the annual Christmas Parade. The parade, hosted by the City of Clayton and the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce, will be December 6th, at 5:30pm. Know what tops watching the parade??? Being in the parade!! The theme is Christmas movies and joining with your family, your co-workers, your church or even your neighbors to build a float is the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit. Call Linda at the Chamber to register. Stay tuned for more fun holidays events happening soon.
Upcoming meeting changes:
November Council Work Session and Meeting will be on November 18th. Work Session begins at 4:00pm followed by the Council meeting at 5:00pm. City Hall Courtroom
Planning & Zoning Public Hearing - Nov 6th - 5:00pm followed by the regular meeting at 5:30pm. City Hall Conference Room.
Downtown Development Authority - November & December meetings combined to be held on Dec 9th at 8:30am in the Conference Room. Regular meetings resume in January on the 4th Tuesday at 8:30am.
November Council Work Session and Meeting will be on November 18th. Work Session begins at 4:00pm followed by the Council meeting at 5:00pm. City Hall Courtroom
Planning & Zoning Public Hearing - Nov 6th - 5:00pm followed by the regular meeting at 5:30pm. City Hall Conference Room.
Downtown Development Authority - November & December meetings combined to be held on Dec 9th at 8:30am in the Conference Room. Regular meetings resume in January on the 4th Tuesday at 8:30am.
A perfect Saturday and a perfect way to spend it! Help support our Police Department's efforts to collect toys and funds for Christmas for the youth in our city. Burnout contest to get your heart racing! We hope to see you all tomorrow (Saturday, Oct 11th) from 10am to 2pm at City Hall (837 Hwy 76 W).
Traffic Alert!! Oak Crescent may be closed part of the day on Wednesday, October 1st, to allow utility work. The contractor will do their best to keep traffic flowing but please use alternate route if possible and be patient!
Happy Labor Day from all of us at the City of Clayton!
"It is labor indeed that puts the difference on everything." - John Locke
"It is labor indeed that puts the difference on everything." - John Locke
More Traffic Alerts! It's good news! The paving company will be in the area for the next few days to complete milling and paving of portions of Marsengill, Forrester, Valey and Hiawassee Streets. The roads will remain open with some delays and detours as needed. Please slow down, look at the scenery, smell the fresh air and enjoy the improved roads. Thank you for your patience!
Traffic Alert!! Paving work has begun on Hiawassee Street. The street will be open with one lane and traffic control. Please use caution or avoid the area. Thank you for your patience while we work to improve our city streets.
Community Spotlight! There is someone in our community who is a true force of nature. She serves on multiple boards, helps with all the events, works full time and still makes time for her family. She is giving, caring and extremely humble. She doesn't want attention for all she does, but she deserves to be recognized. She almost singe-handedly makes all the arrangements for the Block Party. She supports other businesses and does it all with a smile on her face. She serves as the CMBA president and also on the DDA Board. If you are at the Block Party tomorrow and you see Sonya Shook, (and you certainly will see her working to get all the food trucks lined up), please thank her for all she does. We are all fortunate to have Sonya working to make downtown the happening place that it is. Thank you Sonya, you are a rock star!!!
Hey! This Saturday! Yeah, that's right. It's time for the Block Party. You all know what that means. Auggie will be judging you if you aren't there.
Traffic alert - Shadyside will be closed on Wednesday, July 30th, to allow for a road repair. The closure will be immediately past the bridge past Marsengill. Both ends of Shadyside will be accessible. The work should be completed by the afternoon. Please plan ahead and use alternate route. Thank you for your patience.
We are looking for a new team member to join our public works team. Please see the job description under employment and submit your application today. Open until filled.
