There’s Lots To Be Thankful for in Ball Ground

As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, it's time to reflect on all the good things that have been bestowed upon us. We are thankful for our health, jobs, family, friends, and our beloved Ball Ground, which provides us with many of life's simple pleasures.

If you haven't visited Ball Ground lately, you're invited to do so. Fall is the perfect time to visit the Ball Ground Botanical Garden, located at 215 Valley Street. The garden provides a perfect background to capture family photos, host the perfect wedding or special event, or just sit and enjoy reading your favorite book. Call City Hall (770-735-2123) for garden rental information.

The Roberts Lake Trail is another beautiful treasure to be thankful for. The trail leads to the site of Roberts Dam, located on Long Swamp Creek. According to records from a 1923 Ball Ground Council Meeting, a Franchise Ordinance was signed to construct and maintain a power plant for the purpose of furnishing electric energy to the Municipality of Ball Ground. After several years, Georgia Power took over supplying power to the city, and the dam was taken out of service and destroyed. Today, only the remnants remain. The .7-mile hiking trail that leads down to ruins is rated as moderate difficulty with significant grade changes, but it's worth the challenge to see nature's beauty. To access the trailhead, take Roberts Lake Road off SR 372 just east of downtown (near the Wheeler House). Follow the road for .25 miles, which ends at the trailhead.

After Thanksgiving comes the most wonderful time of the year — Christmastime! which brings Ball Ground's annual March of the Toys Parade for Toys for Tots. It has been said that it's the largest Christmas parade in north Georgia! Come out to welcome Santa to downtown Ball Ground on Friday, December 1, at 7:00pm. Parade attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate, which can be deposited in collection boxes placed along the parade route on Gilmer Ferry Road.

Parade participants include superheroes such as Batman, Superman, Spiderman, the Hulk, and many others. Also, princes and princesses such as Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Cinderella will be back again this year.

Local businesses construct beautiful floats or adorn trucks with thousands of lights. It's a beautiful site that you don't want to miss.

It's very important to arrive early! Attendees begin showing up around midafternoon to line Gilmer Ferry Road with their chairs to ensure a front-row seat. City staff will begin closing streets at 6:30pm. Many have gotten caught in traffic and missed the parade, so please plan accordingly. And don't worry about eating beforehand — Ball Ground's restaurants and shops will be ready to serve you.

For additional parade information, visit MarchOfTheToysParade.com. For information concerning the Ball Ground Botanical Garden and Roberts Lake Trail, visit CityOfBallGround.com.