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As the holiday season unfolds, the unique charm of local Christmas parades becomes the heartbeat of communities nationwide.

Elizabethton’s annual Christmas parade, a holiday tradition, will be held December 14 at 6 p.m.

This year, things will be a little different as the parade will take a new route because of the closing of the Broad Street Bridge and the detour of traffic from that location to Elk Avenue, thanks to the Grinch, disguised as Hurricane Helene this year. 

This year’s Christmas parade will begin at Elizabethton High and move south onto West G Street, east to Roan Street. 

The parade is hosted by Elizabethton Main Street. The theme of this year’s parade is “Santa’s Workshop.” Participants are encouraged to decorate floats that showcase Santa’s workshop, from toy making at the North Pole to the joy of Christmas morning with family. This year’s theme is all about creating moments of togetherness and the anticipation and 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 all the behind-the-scenes work they do to provide safe and fun experiences for our community’s youth.

The Christmas parade is one of the most popular events of the year, and offers an opportunity for families and friends to gather and celebrate the season. It provides the community a chance to show off the good things it has to offer. Floats, marching bands, dancing schools, homecoming queens and members of local service organizations will be joined by vehicles representing police and fire departments and other first responders.

The highlight of each parade is the arrival of Santa Claus, which keeps the spirit of the season.

Local Christmas parades do more than spread joy; they are economic catalysts reinforcing community spirit. The parade is usually one of the most attended events of the year.

Moreover, these parades promote inclusivity and diversity. They also underscore the role of Christmas festivities in fostering community pride, economic growth, and inclusive celebrations, cementing them as a vital part of local holiday traditions.

In essence, the Christmas season brings more than just merriment; it’s a vital time for local economies and community unity. Events like the downtown Christmas Open House, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and events sponsored by the Main Street organization not only entertain, but also encourage residents to patronize local businesses.The enduring impact of Christmas parades on community spirit is a testament to the power of local traditions and shared support.

It’s interesting to note that the oldest American parade featuring Santa Claus started in Peoria, Ill., in 1887. Little did that town know it was the beginning of a Christmas tradition that is celebrated in both big and little cities nationwide 136 years later.

Come next Saturday, many will come early to Elizabethton, hoping for a good place to watch the parade on West G Street, where there are few parking spaces. Some will bring camping chairs, others blankets and mugs of hot chocolate and coffee and watch from the sidewalk. Others will sacrifice those comforts for a curbside view and an elevated chance of catching some of the candy many floats will be distributing.

A Christmas parade requires a year of planning and countless hours of work by volunteers, and cooperation from city officials at all levels. We hope you’ll set aside some time next Saturday to enjoy their efforts, spend some time with your friends and neighbors and share some holiday magic. For sure the parade location will be different. Regardless of the parade route, we have much to celebrate this Christmas – JOY, PEACE, AND LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.