Greenville Christmas Parade is Dec. 10
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Dec. 10, as an eagerly awaited holiday event returns to downtown Greenville.
The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce (GACOC) has slated its annual Christmas Parade to kick off downtown at 6:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Miracle on Main.”
GACOC Director, Tracy Salter said the Christmas Parade is a cherished tradition that unites our community in the spirit of joy and service.
She noted, “We look forward to seeing families and friends come together to celebrate and support one another.”
Salter added this year’s theme, ‘Miracle on Main St.,’ captures the magic and wonder of the Christmas season in Greenville.
There will also be other activities before the parade in Confederate Park, including the opportunity to meet and have photos taken with jolly old Saint Nick himself at 5 p.m., the official lighting of the City’s Christmas tree ceremony at 6 p.m. and the parade at 6:30 p.m.
In addition, there will be Christmas music, concessions, and a balloon artist.
The Greenville Lions Club will host the concession tent this year in the main park area and Salter said they have tasty treats slated for the menu.
“Lions Club has hosted the concession tent for three years now and it’s always a big hit during the festivities and parade. This year, they plan to have hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee, funnel cakes, and much more,” said Salter.
The police department will begin shutting down the main parade route and lineup areas at 4:30 p.m. sharp and all vehicles parked downtown will be asked to move off Commerce Street to allow parade lineup and activities in the park to begin.
Salter added, “The parade lineup begins at 5 p.m. and due to the large amount of entries and to ensure everyone’s safety during lineup. Commerce Street, from the Train Depot to the Courthouse, will be closed off to traffic at 4:30 p.m. and reopen once the parade and park festivities ends.”
Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon said the parade is an annual tradition and really brings fun and fellowship to one central location in downtown Greenville.
“It’s the second Tuesday in December – everyone has gotten back in the swing of things after the Thanksgiving holiday, and it’s an opportunity to enjoy the official lighting of the tree in the park, visit with Santa, view the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations and enjoy the beautiful parade lineup,” said McLendon.
Applications for parade entries are available on the Chamber’s website and Salter encourages everyone to go ahead and get those forms in.
The deadline for parade applications is Friday, Nov. 29, and there will be no exceptions on the entry deadline.
Salter said, “It takes numerous people and a lot of time to organize and put on a parade, and the sooner we get in the entry applications, the easier it is for us to streamline the process. While we want every single business and organization to participate, we start advertising the details about six weeks in advance and make every opportunity available for entry. However, to make the ebb and flow of such a large project and event work, a deadline is imperative to the overall success of the event.”
Since, it is a nighttime parade, all those entering are reminded that not only music, but also lights should be on all floats and vehicles entered. There will be first and second place prizes for the best-decorated float and vehicle categories.
Salter also stressed the importance of being creative in designing a float that they feel best represents the theme.
“This year’s theme is very traditional. We hope to see lots of lights and colorful displays of decorations that highlight our business and community. We also want everyone to remember that safety is paramount, and we require walkers on either side of the floats and vehicles entered. Having walkers in place is the only way you are allowed to throw candy from your parade entry as well, and there is no additional fee for these walkers,” said Salter.
She added, “We also want to remind everyone planning to drive trucks, tractors, off-road vehicles or cars, must be at least 18 with a valid driver’s license.”
Salter said that the rules and regulations have been tweaked a bit to include specifics on loud noise, including engines, horns, music, and such, and she encourages each entry to pay close attention to the parade entry rules.
And there’s one more important reminder that Salter stressed, “There is only one Santa, no exceptions, and he will be in the park before the parade and then on the big red fire truck at the end of the parade.”
She added, “We want to make sure everyone is mindful of the “Santa” rule – let’s not have any pretend Santa’s on or around any of the float entries.”
For more details on the upcoming parade or to request an application, contact the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 334-382-3251 or visit them online at www.greenvillealchamber.com, or message them on Facebook.
