Michael Holahan

Models prepare to walk down the runway during a fashion show as part of Paine College's Homecoming week.

Families came out Saturday for the Wrangler Family Fun Fest, which featured live music, a dance exhibition, a tractor display and a mechanical bull.

A soldier awaits the arrival of soldiers from the 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, C Company, to a homecoming ceremony Thursday afternoon at Fort Gordon.

Carolyn Cleckley (left) and Mary Jean Doyle were reflected in the water as they took a walk around Brick Pond Park in North Augusta on Thursday afternoon.

Girls gather in groups as they discuss their religious lessons during a young women's study group at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Evans on Wednesday.

Members of the Paine College dance troupe Mahogany Essence perform during a break in the action during Paine's basketball game against Fort Valley State on Thursday evening.

Carter Ward, 5, yells for the Augusta State basketball team not far from coach Dip Metress (right) during the Jaguar's game against Armstrong Atlantic.

Icicles form on a fountain at First Baptist Church of Augusta on Tuesday afternoon.

Terry Taylor, 11, skips stones across the glassy waters of Lake Olmstead.

Children and adults alike listen carefully as Santa reads The Night Before Christmas at the Carolina Oaks Bed and Breakfast on Carolina Avenue in North Augusta on Friday evening.

Members of Grits and Grins enjoy coffee and conversation while they knit scarves, hats and mittens at Panera Bread in Augusta.

Children ride on the Freedom Bible Church float during the Columbia County Christmas Parade in Evans.

Santa is visited by Alana Rice, 11, Gabrielle Dejoie, 4, Leah Prince, 11, and Kim Gaines during the Brunch With Santa event at the The Lucy Craft Laney Museum on Saturday.

Mom Denise Tippett peeks out from back stage on Friday evening to watch her children dance in the Columbia County Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at the Imperial Theatre.

Aidan Fitzgibbon, 3, checks out the nutcracker soldier during the Christmas Festival at Fort Gordon.

The setting sun reflects off the Marion and Lamar buildings in downtown Augusta.

Children dressed as toy soldiers wait in line for their cue to go into the back door of the Imperial Theatre and onto the stage during Dance Augusta's production of The Nutcracker.

Closeup with Crypto  Rain Eskew, 14, holds Crypto, an alligator who lives at Graystone Ranch Wildlife Education Center and Nature Park near Hephzibah.