The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce Steve Carver, Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director, is the 2025 Grand Marshal for the 61st Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. Come wave and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays as participants ride down Peterson Avenue on Friday, December 12 beginning at 7pm. “Holiday Movie Magic,” this year’s theme, comes from Bryler Murray, son of Bobby and Brandy Murray of Broxton. The theme and grand marshal are chosen by the Chamber Board of Directors.
Steve Carver began his career in public safety in January 1990 as a volunteer firefighter with Coffee County. Inspired by the dedication and impact of fellow volunteers, his passion for serving others quickly grew into a lifelong calling.
In September 1999, Steve took the next step by joining the City of Douglas Fire Department as a career firefighter. While serving with the city, he accepted a part-time role in 2002 as Training Officer for Coffee County, where he was responsible for training the County’s volunteer firefighters. In 2004, he transitioned into this role full-time, deepening his commitment to strengthening emergency services in the community. Steve’s leadership and dedication led to his promotion as Interim Fire Chief and Interim Emergency Management Director in August 2011. He was officially appointed to both roles in January 2012 and continues to serve in these capacities today. Guided by his faith, Steve believes in using his God-given talents to serve others. He finds purpose and fulfillment in being a servant leader—both to his community and to God.
Steve has been blessed with the unwavering support of his wife of 33 years, Linda Carver, who shares his passion for service and family. He is also grateful for his phenomenal team of coworkers, loyal friends, and dedicated community partners who work alongside him to make a difference. Steve credits them all as essential to the success of his mission to serve.
The Festival of Lights, 61st Annual Christmas Parade begins at 7pm when the parade lights up Peterson Avenue and makes its way from the Chamber of Commerce building to South Georgia State College. Registration for the Christmas Parade will continue through December 5.
Registration forms and rules can be found on the Visit Douglas-Coffee County GA Facebook page or picked up at the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce located at 114 N. Peterson Avenue. Special thanks to sponsors Our Nearly Famous Burger King, Vickers & Sons Specialties, Kinetic by Windstream, Smile Doctors, Douglas National Bank, Interstate Credit Union, First National Bank of Coffee County, GracePointe Church, Sunbelt Greenhouses, City of Douglas, and Next Era Energy.
For more information about or for an application for the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade, please call (912) 384-1873 or email us at schilders@douglasga.org
And don’t miss the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday, December 4 at Atkinson Plaza. Mayor Tony Paulk will be there to light the giant tree Douglas Methodist Church Youth Choir and the Coffee High School Chorus will be singing Christmas carols beginning at 5:30. There will be sweets and hot drinks available for purchase from Project Search Pop Up Coffee Shop. Plus Santa and his elves will be there for pictures. Then explore the downtown shops as they stay open late and showcase their Christmas windows and great sales. The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is a delightful holiday event that brings together the community to celebrate the festive season.
For more information about all the Christmas in Coffee activities, or to add your public holiday event to our calendar, please call (912)384-1873 or email us at chamber@douglasga.org .