Paris, Tenn.–With the weather forecast calling for clear skies on Saturday, December 11th, the day promises to provide a day full of festivities with the annual Christmas Festival in Downtown Paris.
Grand Marshal of this year’s Holly Jolly Electric Christmas Parade will be the Paris-Henry County Bicentennial Committee and the Downtown Paris Association Ambassadors will be Kathy and Larry Ray.
The parade route is different this year. The route will begin at First United Methodist Church and head north on Poplar Avenue, turn right on Ruff Street, and will travel south down Brewer Street.
If you are interested in submitting an entry in the parade, there is still time. Please visit www.VisitDowntownParis.com for an entry form.
Activities include a concert by the Inman Middle School Chorus, readings of the Polar Express by the Arts Council, a free rock wall, free coffee for shoppers from 2-4 p.m at Jack’s Java, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a free lighted trackless train from 5-8 p.m., a movie in the street, and the highlight of the day will be the Holly Jolly Electric Christmas Parade at 5 p.m.
Food trucks, Christmas decorations, the Passport shopping activity, and more add to the festivities. Also, stroll through The Old Paris 5 & 10 Event Center and view 30 uniquely decorated Christmas trees at Festival of Trees, sponsored by My Favorite Things .Be sure to vote for your favorite to win this year’s People’s Choice award.
Once you’ve shopped ’til you dropped, stick around and watch the Holly Jolly Electric Christmas Parade, sponsored by Michael Sargent with State Farm Insurance. This holiday tradition is sure to be merry and bright as all entries must be completely lit to enter the parade.
Parade winners will be chosen in the following categories: Most Christmas Spirit, Best Religious Theme, Best Decorated Float, Best Marching/Walking Unit, Best Decorated Golf Cart or Small Tractor, Clark Griswold Award (Best Lit Entry).
Looking for more? Visit www.lightupparistn.com for a list and map of Christmas lights to experience throughout the community.
Other Christmas Partners include BOI, LLC, Chesemore Dental Group, Henry County Medical Center, My Favorite Things, Mockingbird Catering, Orr Investment Management, Paris BPU, ServPro, Michael Sargent State Farm, and Street Dynamics.
Photo: Santa, Rudolph and an elf enjoyed the 2015 Holly Jolly parade. (Shannon McFarlin photo).