The Alexander County Christmas Parade Committee is currently putting the plans in place for the 72nd Annual Christmas Parade. Activities and planning has been moving forward with high hopes for one of the best parades ever! The focus of the group has been on selecting a Grand Marshall, securing professional floats, finding regional bands to complete the festive atmosphere and to secure community groups, businesses, churches, etc. to make the event a rousing success!
The parade’s long and illustrious history makes it a special undertaking each year! Created in 1947, the Christmas Parade was originally designed to bring potential customers into the business district of Taylorsville and to kick-off the holiday shopping season. The war was over and there were high expectations of a growing economy and a brighter future. The parade has evolved through the years to become one of the region’s largest and most festive events! People from surrounding counties and beyond plan their schedules to be in attendance at this annual event!
The Alexander County Christmas Parade has been a community tradition for years and years, and this year will be no exception! The annual holiday event is scheduled for the first Saturday in December, which is Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 3 p.m. The 2018 version of the Christmas Parade is being sponsored by the Alexander County Government.
The Parade annually showcases local businesses and manufacturers, while emphasizing our community base. Local churches, civic groups, athletic teams and others assemble to march or ride in the annual event. The Christmas Parade is a source of community pride and recognition for those who contribute significantly to the rich quality of life that we enjoy in Alexander County. The annual holiday event is one of the largest parades in the region.
The parade annually features professionally-built floats from Cline’s Floats in Catawba, along with numerous home-made constructions by parents, civic groups, churches, students and others. There are always scout troops that march, boats filled with cheerleaders, and many sights and sounds that make the streets of our county seat festive and celebratory. The goal is to strengthen this year’s offering, while maintaining the same spirit and excitement that accompanies the annual event.
The Parade Committee has completed the basic planning and is now devoting its energy to recruiting and securing the groups and agencies to make the event a showcase of the county’s resources, especially its people! Now is the time to reserve a place in the parade line-up. Your early response helps to facilitate the smooth flow of the event. Interested entrants should contact the parade coordinator NOW. Do not wait. Waiting could cost you additional money and there may not be space available for last minute entries. There are new forms which have been generated for registration and parade guidelines. Interested persons are encouraged to e-mail parade headquarters at alexanderchristmasparade@gmail.com for additional information and forms. Businesses, manufacturers and others wishing to purchase a float may do so by contacting dwaine coley at 828.320.7614 or e-mailing the above address. A total of sixteen floats are currently reserved for this year’s parade – more than in previous years, and response has been great, BUT we still have several floats that need sponsors! The Alexander County Extension office will be receiving all registration forms and payments. The Extension Office is located at 376 First Avenue in Civic groups, clubs, athletic teams, businesses, and manufacturers are encouraged to begin planning NOW to insure participation in this year’s parade. Space is limited to about two hundred entries for the parade, so early response is encouraged. Now is the time to begin planning to participate in this annual holiday event! Spaces will be reserved only when appropriate forms are complete and all fees paid.
Each year the parade recognizes one individual who has made significant contributions to the quality of life in Alexander County. Nominees for Grand Marshall of the annual parade have been received and the Grand Marshall will be named and celebrated for service and love of our community and its people. The name of this year’s Grand Marshall will be announced in the next week or so. Nominations were bountiful, which says that people are aware of the many kind acts and deeds that people within Alexander County perform on a daily basis. Thanks to those who nominated deserving people. Nominees will be announced when the Grand Marshall is named.
This year’s parade will feature individuals and groups that give of themselves to the community on a daily basis! The public is urged, encouraged, asked to come prepared to give to the community through a “give back” component. The conclusion of the parade will provide the community with a chance to GIVE BACK – to shower the food pantries across the County with canned goods and non-perishable items. The Alexander Central FFA will collect food along the parade route. This food will be shared with local food pantries! Please bring canned goods to share! Students will also carry boxes for those wishing to make monetary donations.
The annual Christmas Parade is a huge part of the county’s landscape, and this year’s version will be opening the holidays on December 1.
The Alexander County Christmas Parade will encourage the entire community to reminisce, plan and dream of the wonders that are Christmas in Alexander County.