Piedmont Athens Regional is holding its second annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the hospital’s Main Tower, and the community is invited to participate in this fun kickoff to the holiday season.

“We are so excited to hold this event again this year and hope that it continues to grow and bring our community closer together to celebrate the holidays,” said Tammy Gilland, director of community relations for Piedmont Athens Regional. “It is so much fun to see families enjoying time together, getting their pictures taken with Santa and Hairy Dawg, doing crafts, and having some hot chocolate and cookies.”

This year, there will be something for everybody at the Holly Jolly Holiday Party. At 6 p.m., Santa, University of Georgia mascot Hairy Dawg, and Piedmont Athens Regional CEO Michael Burnett will arrive to light the hospital’s holiday tree. Following the tree lighting, attendees can make their way through the various activities, which will include pictures with Santa and Hairy Dawg, Coca-Cola’s Christmas truck offering free coke samples, face painting, holiday craft booths, and holiday refreshments.

A new addition to this year’s party is a Secret Santa Shop sponsored by the Piedmont Athens Regional Auxiliary. Children can shop for presents for their loved ones and have the gifts wrapped to be taken home and placed under their tree. All items in the Secret Santa shop will be priced between $1 and $5, with gift wrapping free of charge.

“The Holly Jolly Holiday Party is a fun, relaxed way for the community to get to know Piedmont Athens Regional and how we are creating real change in the way people interact with their healthcare providers,” explained Gilland.

The Holly Jolly Holiday Party is a free event, with the exception of the Secret Santa Shop. Free parking will be available in the Talmadge Visitors Parking Deck and the Medical Services Building parking lot. RSVPs by November 20 are requested, although not required. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Piedmont Athens Regional Community Relations at [email protected] or 706-475-7025.