'Jingle Mingle' arrives in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE - If you did not get into the Christmas spirit on the square in downtown Gainesville Thursday night it was your own fault.

Main Street brought in Yule Tide with 'Jingle Mingle', with store and restaurant owners opening their doors and inviting visitors in.

Out on the sidewalk The Fifth Row Center carolers from South Hall County got everyone in the mood; it’s the second year to dress up and portray the mid-19th century days of Charles Dickens for Donna Chalmers and her group.

“We love being out here and seeing all the decorations and meeting everybody,” she said. “It helps us get into the Christmas Spirit too.”

Carriage driver Diane Teaver was doing big business, taking on riders for a trip around the square in the vintage four-wheeler pulled by Polly the 11 year old Percheron; Santa was aboard, having a great time.

“We don’t have enough snow for reindeer, hopefully there’ll be a lot of folks here enjoying the festivities,” Santa said.

Main Street Director Joe Burnett says it's the way to start the season.

“This is our party, our fun event, just to as a gift back to the community,” Burnett said, who added that Santa will hold court on the square during the days and weeks ahead through the season.