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The annual Elizabethton Christmas Parade will go on as planned this season but not on its normal route.

“We know this year’s parade will feel and look different, but it is important we continue this time-honored tradition for Elizabethton,” Main Street Elizabethton Director Courtney Bean said in a release announcing the amended route. “We are proud of the strength we have seen in our community in the wake of Helene and love that we can celebrate it at the parade, no matter the location. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility with this year’s amended route and invite you to come out to keep building joy for our community with holiday cheer!” 

The theme of this year’s parade is “Santa’s Workshop” to highlight moments of togetherness, the strength of the community, and the magic of the season. Main Street will honor the Boys and Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County as the parade marshal to show appreciation for their safe and fun experiences for our community’s youth.

The parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, with road closures along the West G Street route from Bemberg Road to South Roan Street beginning at 5:45 p.m. The change in the normal route is due to the closure of Broad Street Bridge after the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through the region in late September. The closure disrupted normal traffic patterns and Main Street Elizabethton worked with key city staff to create the amended route, ensuring a plan that was safe and functional for parade logistics, participants, and attendees, the release said.

Those interested in participating can register online at MainStreetElizabethton.com. The deadline to register is Dec. 7 or until the 100-participant capacity is reached.

Main Street Elizabethton will continue to work with city staff to communicate important information to the public, such as suggested parking areas for both parade participants and attendees and road closure times for impacted residents. 

The Elizabethton Christmas Parade serves as a fundraiser for Main Street Elizabethton, a non-profit organization working to grow and elevate the downtown district. Main Street’s mission is to look toward the future with the goal of preserving the city’s culture and heritage while striving to revitalize the hub and heart of downtown.

Up-to-date information on the parade can be found at Main Street Elizabethton’s Facebook and Instagram pages @DowntownElizabethton or the organization’s website, MainStreetElizabethton.com.

For more information on how to get involved with Main Street Elizabethton, contact Main Street Director Courtney Bean at (423) 213-0090, or email cbean@cityofelizabethton.org.