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Canton Collective | December 2025
Your monthly online newsletter with City of Canton news, updates, and events!
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| Let's be friends! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and if you mean business, connect with us on LinkedIn. | | Get in the loop! Signup to receive text notifications with timely (non-emergency) information. We promise, no spamming. | | Now, let's get you in the know for December! | | There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays | Mayor's Moment | | |
I hope you all had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. I’m writing this article on a bumpy flight back to Atlanta, and I keep thinking of the song, “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays.” For those of us who are fortunate enough to live, work, play, and serve in Canton, those lyrics couldn’t be more true.
Kicking Off the Holiday Season
Our city is special any time of year, but the holiday season is pure magic. This year, we kicked it off in style with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Cannon Park, complete with Santa’s arrival and, for the first time in our community, a spectacular drone show. Placer data shows that more than 4,500 residents attended, triple last year’s turnout of 1,500. For me, this is one of the most joyful events of the year because of the children. I love seeing their excitement when Santa arrives, hearing our local school choruses sing, and of course, grabbing a few selfies with the kids.
Show Your Community Support
The next few weeks will be full of activity as the holidays and the new year approach. Amid all the festivities, there are also many opportunities to support those in our community who are less fortunate. Our non-profit organizations work tirelessly to lift others up, and I encourage you to join their efforts in whatever way you can.
Heartfelt Condolences to Councilor Tolan & Family
Let’s also try to be a little more mindful and kind during the hustle and bustle of the season. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but many in our city are facing health challenges, financial stress, and profound grief. On that note, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to our Mayor Pro Tem, Shawn Tolan, and his wife, Shari, on the loss of their beloved son, Matt Tolan. Matt fought a courageous eight-year battle with cancer, defying the odds from the start. He was a loving son who cared deeply for his family and community, and he will be dearly missed.
So, no matter how far we roam, let’s remember and celebrate the blessings of the season in the Coolest Small Town in America, and let’s not forget to give the gifts of kindness and compassion to one another.
Happy Holidays, Canton! Mayor Bill
| | Groundbreaking for City Park in South Canton | Dec. 4 | | You're Invited to Christmas in Canton! | | |
You’re invited to join us for Christmas in Canton in Downtown Canton on Dec. 12! The festivities will include a visit with Santa, petting zoo, face painting, wagon rides, balloon artist, s'mores station, inflatables, decorated cookie station, make-and-take crafts, Christmas Pete, a wreath making station, and more!
Our shops will be open late to assist you with finding the perfect gift, and our restaurants will be ready to welcome you!
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Main Street would like to extend a special THANK YOU to our Sponsors:
- Coosa Valley Credit Union
- Capital Recovery Corporation
- DT Chiropractic
- Providence Insurance - Bagby Agency
- River Green - Lakeside, The Village, The Retreat
| | Merry Market & Christmas Parade | Dec. 13 | | |
Enjoy a festive afternoon at the Merry Market, Sat., Dec. 13, in Downtown Canton, from 12-6 p.m., exploring 100+ small business vendors, along with our downtown shops, visiting with Santa, indulging in great food, and more!
Following the Merry Market at 6 p.m., Downtown Canton sets the scene for the 34th Annual Christmas Parade, presented by the Canton Optimist Club. The parade includes homemade floats, local clubs and businesses, and several special guest appearances, including Santa Claus himself!
| | This is an event this holiday season that you surely do not want to miss! Join us with friends and family to hone in on the holiday spirit with a magical experience in Downtown Canton! | | Reindeer are Coming - Antlers Alive! | | On Fri., Dec. 19, from 6-8:30 p.m., visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and two of Santa's reindeer before they head back to the North Pole! Enjoy a sprinkle of Christmas magic! Meet, greet, and snap a photo with real reindeer! | | Council Meeting | Dec. 4 | Agenda Items | | | |
On the agenda for the Dec. 4 Council Meeting includes (but is not limited to):
Presentation
- Recognition of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing Team and Graduation from the 3-Year Program
Information Only
- Information on an upcoming rezoning case in River Green to eliminate residential condominiums and replace the spaces with general commercial and office uses
- Information on an upcoming rezoning case at 264 Marietta Highway to go from Office and Institutional Use to General Commercial Use
Old Business
- Discussion and Possible Action on the Rezoning Case for 4.8 Acres at Fate Conn for a Single Family Detached Neighborhood
- Discussion and Possible Action on the Rezoning of 100 Cherokee Street from R-20 to CBD for a Restaurant Use
- Discussion and Possible Action on the River Green Street Lights
New Business
- Discussion of the Great Sky Sewer Pump Station Odor Control Project Design with Black & Veatch
- Discussion of the Construction Administration Services for the River Mill Pedestrian Bridge Project
Board and Commission Appointments
- Canton Housing Authority
- Canton Tourism Board
For the complete meeting agenda, visit https://canton.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
| | Upcoming Events and Meetings | | | Header photo caption: The Drone Show at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting was a huge hit with spectators. The 15 minute show over the Downtown sky featured 200 drones creating holiday imagery with accompanying Christmas music. | | | | |