Nov. 29 | #GivingTuesday in Valdosta
One of the best ways to observe #GivingTuesday is to get involved in your own community.
#Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving, fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday, Small Saturday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Visit www.valdostacity.com to view many charitable events in which to participate.
 
Nov. 30 | VFD Unveils Four New Fire Trucks
The Valdosta Fire Department will unveil four brand new Valdosta fire trucks at VFD Station #1, on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m. The public is invited to view these trucks and learn the vital role they play in the life-saving mission of our VFD.
 
Dec. 2 | VFD Firefighters Graduate from Recruit School
The newest Valdosta Firefighters will graduate from Recruits School on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016.  The ceremony for the graduates, their family members and guests will take place from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Valdosta-Lowndes Parks & Recreation Authority facility, located at 1901 N. Forrest Street. The public is invited to the ceremony to welcome these new firefighters. For more information, contact Capt. James Clinkscales at 229-333-1835.

Dec. 2 | Valdosta Youth Council Meets
The Valdosta Youth Council will meet at 4 p.m. in the second-floor City Council Chambers of Valdosta City Hall. The council will briefly discuss some business and committee work before assisting in the set up of the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event.   

Dec. 2 | Valdosta Christmas Tree Lighting
Mayor John Gayle and Valdosta First Lady Peggy Gayle will officially kick off the holiday season in Valdosta at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, on Friday, Dec. 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus, as he assists with the lighting of the fully-decorated 30-foot Christmas tree located on the front lawn of City Hall, at 216 E. Central Avenue. The event will feature music from the St. John Catholic Church Youth Choir, visits with Santa, refreshments and more.  The Valdosta Youth Council will host a table for residents to donate gifts to the Parkwood Development Center (view flier) and to sign holiday cards that will be mailed to service members who are deployed for the season. Read more.
 
Dec. 2:  First Friday & Art Walk
Citizens are encouraged to stay downtown after the Christmas Tree Lighting to enjoy the fun dining, shopping and entertainment experience of First Friday, through 9:30 p.m. This First Friday will also include the year’s final Art Walk, from 5 to 8 p.m., which combines the love of art and historic Downtown Valdosta and allows citizens to experience art in Downtown’s most elegant shops. Purchase a “Passport to Art” and enter to win fabulous gifts. All Art Walk proceeds will benefit the Public Art Advisory.
 
Dec. 3 | Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade
On Saturday, Dec. 3, citizens are invited to enjoy the annual Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade, which begins at 5 p.m. The parade will start at Woodrow Wilson Drive, proceed down N. Patterson Street, and end at the Department of Health Building, in Downtown Valdosta. The creative holiday floats will be judged on overall appearance, special effects, creativity, workmanship and use of the theme, which this year is “Dreams of Christmas.” For more information, contact Valdosta Main Street at 229-259-3577 or visit www.valdostamainstreet.com.