Derek Easterling

Iam finding it hard to believe we are entering the 2021 Christmas season; it seems like only recently we were ringing in the year. The Christmas season is my favorite for many reasons, but, for me personally, it is a season of hope and gratitude, and I believe it brings out the best in each of us. A favorite Christmas song of mine is performed by Perry Como and includes the lyrics:

“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays ’Cause no matter how far away you roam

When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze

For the holidays, you can’t beat home, sweet home …”

And there is no place that I would rather be than right here in Kennesaw. We truly are blessed to live and work in a community as special as this one.

The city of Kennesaw will usher in the Christmas season at 2 p.m. on Dec. 4, when Santa is scheduled to arrive with our Main Street parade, featuring marching bands, decorated floats, vintage cars and colorfully costumed characters. The celebration will continue from 3 to 7 p.m. on Main Street with a host of activities, including free snow tubing, inflatables and amusements, kids crafts, visits with Santa, stage entertainment, a screening of the movie “Elf,” and a holiday market, with gift ideas and unique merchandise. The evening will conclude at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the tree.

All aboard! On Dec. 11, join the Southern Museum for a full day of holiday activities. “The Polar Express” movie will be screened at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a reading of the book at 1 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on-site 1-5 p.m. Craft and educational tables will be set up throughout the day.

Along with our friends of the Jewish faith, we will light the Menorah in a traditional service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Historic Train Depot in Depot Park. Our friend Rabbi Zalman Charytan, of the Kennesaw Chabad Jewish Center, will preside over the ceremony.

From each of us at City Hall, thank you for your continued support of Kennesaw in all of our programs and services. We wish you and your family a very merry Christmas!

Derek Easterling has served as Kennesaw’s mayor since 2016. He is dedicated to serving his community to the highest level possible.