Christmas on the Square 2023

Gateway City Big Band of North Florida filled the air with top-notch performances of classic Christmas songs in Millennium Park on Saturday, during Christmas on the Square.
-All SVT Photos by Tami Stevenson

By Tami Stevenson

Live Oak, Fla., – Sponsored by the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce, the 39th Annual Christmas on the Square in Live Oak has achieved another successful three-day event, in spite of the inclement weather Saturday.

Thursday night’s fun run/walk, tree lighting ceremony, Santa and a movie in the park was very well attended, said Danielle Hampton, Suwannee Chamber Administrative Assistant and incoming Executive Director for 2024. Vendors commented that the crowds on Friday were great. They were even surprised at Saturday’s turn-out. Many came in spite of the rain, brandishing umbrellas and rain gear, looking for that special one-of-a-kind gift.

Among the live entertainment, Gateway City Big Band of North Florida filled the air with top-notch performances of classic Christmas songs in Millennium Park while shoppers grazed the many booths, Saturday.

A familiar vendor among those braving the weather Saturday, was State Farm. The big red booth doesn’t really sell anything, according to owner Rob Cathcart. They normally come out to just say thank you to their customers and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. He added that Friday’s crowd was outstanding and Saturday actually had more visitors than he expected, with the rain.

The Live Oak Woman’s Club was selling tickets for the raffle of two Christmas trees, donated by Lowe’s, each filled with $600 worth of gift cards from local businesses like Dixie Grill, Wylde Roots Salon, Positive Transformation, Dairy Queen and more. According to Woman’s Club representative Roberta Thomas, a portion of the proceeds will go the RIVEROAK GED scholarship fund. Raffle winners were Denise Bear and Nancy Walker, each from O’Brien.

Suwannee FFA was there selling Christmas trees and brought some sheep with them for children to get acquainted. They were selling ice cream cones filled with feed for $1 each, so kids could experience what feeding a sheep is like.

According to Hampton, although vendors began breaking down before 3 p.m., Saturday, due to lightening, many said they still had good sales.

“We did have a great turn out overall and are glad the community came out.” Hampton said the chamber wanted to thank all their sponsors and the community for their support. “We are looking forward to another great year next year!”

Hearty Saturday shoppers brandishing umbrellas at Christmas on the Square in Live Oak. -SVT Photo

FFA student Baylor Ahrens was among the students tending the sheep at the festival. -SVT Photo

Woman’s Club representative Roberta Thomas, left. The Live Oak Woman’s Club was selling tickets for the raffle of two Christmas trees, each filled with $600 worth of gift cards from local businesses.
-SVT Photo

Four-year-old Dawson Beck riding the bull during Christmas on the Square. Dawson was visiting with his grandfather, Brian Beck, from Camilla Georgia. -SVT Photo

The Gateway City Big Band performing Saturday at Christmas on the Square. -SVT Photo

Many visitors that came Saturday were brandishing umbrellas and rain gear. But they came! -SVT Photo