December 12 - 14, 2025
Holiday Party and Parade
Helen, GA
Organizers are Ron and Ellen Dudik
Hotel
Country Inn and Suites Standard Room is $ 189.00
877 Edelweiss Strasse
Helen, GA 30545 (706) 878-9000
The hotel is taking reservations now. Please identify yourself as part of the block of rooms under Atlanta Classic Thunderbird Club. The deadline to get his room rate is November 15.
A free, hot breakfast features signature waffles, grits and fruit is included with the room
ACTC will have use of the hospitality room all weekend.
This is a beautiful German-inspired town is a great backdrop for a picture-perfect holiday adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, eat delicious food, take in the beauty, get out in nature and raise a pint to the most wonderful time of the year.
The hotel is located across the street from the banks of the Chattahoochee River and picturesque downtown Helen. Peruse Bavarian-themed stores and enjoy unforgettable German cuisine at several restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Don’t forget to register at the ACTC website that you will be attending so we have a correct count.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Caravan to Helen, GA will be a 10:00 AM departure. We will meet at the Walmart parking lot at I-985, Exit 4 to the right off of I-985. The address is: 3795 Buford Drive, Buford, GA 30519. Bring your CB set to channel 22.
We will then travel to Helen, GA and arrive at the Country Inn and Suites. Let Ron Dudik know if you will be at this meeting site so no one is left behind. We understand that some may drive directly to the hotel.
Lunch - Plan to meet in the hospitality room at 12:00 PM. We will depart the hotel to Dottie’s Kitchen for the 5 minute walk. Some may choose to drive to the location. The address is: 8287 S. Main Street, Helen, GA. 30545. Dottie’s Kitchen is a southern country cooking restaurant with something for everyone.
The afternoon will be free for shopping, etc.
Dinner will be at 6:30 PM at Bodensee Resturant which is also walking distance from the hotel. The address is: 64 Munich St., Helen, GA. 30545. Bodensee is owned and operated by Chef Aurel Proden who is a master chef trained in Bavaria, Germany. He brings “Old World Germany” to Georgia’s famous alpine village. We will depart the hotel to Bodensee at 6:15 PM for the 5 minute walk. Some may choose to drive to the location.
After dinner we will spend time in the Hospitality Room. Members can bring snacks and drinks. All drinks and alcohol is BYOB
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Brunch - will be having a meal at 3:00 PM in the hospitality room.
ACTC will be providing the following:
Ham for sandwiches
Paper products including:
Bowls for chili
Paper plates
Plasticware
Glasses
Shot glasses for drinks
Napkins
Members bringing the following:
Ron and Ellen Dudik Pulled Pork sandwiches
Paul and Jean Christian rolls for ham sandwiches
Needed from Members:
Condiments for ham sandwiches
Snacks
Salads - Cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, etc.
Side dishes
Desserts
Contact Ron Dudik at 770-262-1118 with what you will be bringing so we have everything needed and no duplicates.
All drinks and Alcohol will be BYOB.
Helen Christmas Parade. We have a 5:30 PM departure from the hotel to be led to the line-up for the parade. The parade will start promptly at 6:00 PM. Many cars will be decorated with creative wreaths, bows, etc. Since the parade is after sunset, it is suggested that you light up your cars if possible. Dressing up as Santa is not permitted.
It is OK to throw candy to the children along the parade route if you choose to do so. This is such a fun small-town parade with fire trucks, horses, dirt-buggies and unique floats.
Saturday night we will have our Annual Christmas Party in the Hospitality Room after everyone returns from the parade.
Please bring a gift for the gift exchange for each person that will be participating in the exchange. Gifts can be labeled for man or woman but do not have to be if you do not want to. Gifts should not exceed $25. The funnier, the better if that is your desire. Some gifts from prior years will be re-gifted, and some will be practical. Your choice on what to bring.
Richard Goodroe will be the emcee for the gift exchange. He always does a fine job!
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Goodbye and departures TBD.