Elizabethton’s annual Christmas Parade is a week away, but there are still a few days left to sign up to take part in this holiday tradition.
So far, registrations for the parade have been steady according to the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re right on track,” said Elizabeth White with the Chamber of Commerce.
Applications are still available but the deadline to register is fast approaching.
“The 29th is the last day we can take applications,” White said.
This year’s parade will feature local high school marching bands — including the State Champions, the Betsy Band — as well as floats, dance teams and groups of walking participants. And, of course, Santa Claus will make his grand entrance into town in the traditional way atop a fire truck.
The theme for this year’s parade is “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Parade participants are invited to show their interpretation of the theme with their floats and other entries.
“There has been some excitement when people have been talking about their floats and what they are doing with the 12 Days of Christmas,” White said. “I cannot wait to see the floats.”
The Elizabethton Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. in downtown Elizabethton.
To be eligible to take part in the parade, participants must complete and submit an application along with payment no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29. The cost for Chamber of Commerce members to enter a parade unit is $25 while the cost for non-members is $30.
Applications can be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce, located at 500 Highway 19E Bypass, or online at the Chamber’s website at http://www.elizabethtonchamber.com.
There are some restrictions in place for what is allowed and what is not permitted for the parade:
• Please refrain from submitting any item that has the potential to cause harm to parade participants and on-lookers.
• All entries must abide with a parade quality standard respecting fundamental values being ethical, family friendly, and accountable for the representation of their organization.
• Santa is provided by the parade committee/Chamber of Commerce and MAY NOT appear on or with any other parade unit or float.
• Parade participants are not allowed to throw or eject candy, toys, or any other items from parade units. Candy MUST BE handed to spectators from walking participants along the side of barricades only.
• All pageant entries are limited to first place winners only.
• No live animals. Please contact the Chamber for questions.
• All propaganda items are prohibited along with campaigning literature.
• Entries shall comply with all laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of lawful authority, agency or governmental unit, which apply to the City of Elizabethton.
For more information on the parade, please contact the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce at 423-547-3850.