Good morning, Gainesville.

The City of Gainesville will host its sixth annual Festival of Trees on Saturday during the downtown Jingle Mingle kickoff.

The grand reveal will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Gainesville Administration Building, and visitors can see the trees Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Christmas.

The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce presented its Industry of the Year Awards on Wednesday at the 17th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon at Lanier Technical College in Gainesville—honoring local business leaders for their economic contributions, workforce excellence and corporate responsibility. Tower Sealants, Orbital Energy Services and Fieldale Farms Corporation were recognized as winners in the small, medium and large employer categories respectively—while Kubota Manufacturing, Trainz.com, Hydro, Cottrell and American Yazaki received additional recognition for workforce development, safety and environmental achievements.

Two seniors with Down Syndrome, Emma Clark and Cohen Echols, were named homecoming queen and king at North Hall High School when their classmates chose them during the recent game and dance—marking a historic moment for inclusivity at the school.

Lanier Tech named Karli Wiseman as its 2026 GOAL Student of the Year and Erika Bongart as its 2026 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year—both will compete against regional technical colleges—with the final round set in Atlanta next April.

Congressman Rich McCormick announced $2.5 million in funding for the Lake Lanier Water Quality Initiative—led by the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center—to cut excess phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural and urban sources, as partners will use best management practices and better stormwater controls to improve water quality for Gainesville residents.

Flowery Branch Police and Hall County Fire Rescue are enforcing Georgia law at the Publix on Spout Springs Road after receiving multiple complaints about vehicles blocking the fire lane—drivers should only make brief stops to drop off or pick up passengers.

College Football Playoff rankings for Week 13 showed that UGA moved up one spot yesterday.

The full ranking—featuring teams like Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M—places UGA in a stronger position for a playoff bid.

That Arena Rock Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost varies — Experience high-energy classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s performed live.

Turkey Trot 5K/10K/Half Marathon

7:45-11:45 a.m. — Riverside Track — Registration fee applies — A fun-filled Thanksgiving morning run for all fitness levels.

Christmas on Green Street 2025

3-7 p.m. — Gainesville Civic Center — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with a festive parade featuring antique cars, floats, and live music.

Wheel of Fortune Live

7-10 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check event page for pricing — Experience America's Game® with Wheel of Fortune LIVE! in your hometown.

USPA Tested and Open Winter Classic 2

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. — The Beast Sports Center, LLC — No refunds — Experience thrilling powerlifting competition with categories for all skill levels.