It’s Christmas Parade time again!
The New Tazewell Merchant Association will present the Annual Merchant Parade on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. This year marks the 42nd Annual Merchant Christmas Parade.
This year’s parade theme is “Storybook Christmas.” Each year, the association members enjoy stories from parade fans highlighted by the fact that the parade is a longstanding annual holiday tradition for them. Association members felt that the “Storybook Christmas” theme would bring to life the joy and magic of the Christmas season, according to member Frances Hensley.
“Through the 42 years of the parade, it has gained the notable reputation of being the largest crowd attraction of the area parades,” said Hensley.
This year’s parade Grand Marshal is Phil Greer, Mayor of New Tazewell. Honored merchants for this year are Bernice Wilder of Hair Etc. and C.B. Duncan of Duncan Motor Company.
The parade began in 1973 with the focus on the county’s main crop, tobacco, thus called the New Tazewell Burley Parade which featured a Burley Queen each year. Over the years, the parade became the New Tazewell Merchant Parade honoring longtime local merchants.
Many community efforts have focused on keeping the parade up and going through the years. The parade is the year-long project of the New Tazewell Merchant Association and association volunteers.
“The association would like to also thank the New Tazewell merchants for their annual dues and support,” said Hensley.
The annual parade opens the holiday season for many families, friends and children on the third Saturday in November, typically to a crowd of thousands lining the parade route.
As usual, the parade will begin with entries gathering in the parking lot of Walmart and Ingles in New Tazewell.
There is a $25 entry fee for every entry — cars, trucks, floats, tractors, motorcycles and others — in the parade. Horses will only be allowed pulling a horse drawn buggy. All vendors must register and purchase a vendor permit.
Ribbons will be awarded for first, second and third places for the best float entries.
For a complete list of parade float judging criteria and more, please visit the New Tazewell Merchant Association’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newtazewellchristmasparade.
Pre-register for the parade at the Sign Center, located just south of Pizza Plus in New Tazewell. For more information, call 423-626-1575. Sign Center is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“We look forward to another fabulous community parade this 42nd year,” said Hensley.
Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.
