Annual parade to feature 'Christmas Wonderland' theme

Calen McKinney

reporter@cknj.com

Organizers hope changes made to this year's annual Christmas parade down Main Street will encourage more people to participate.

Organizer Jon Hawkins says participation has slacked in the past few years, possibly because of inclement weather.

The annual parade will be Saturday, Dec. 3. Line up will begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of Jackson Tower. The parade will begin at 6:15 p.m.

Hawkins says the theme of the parade is "Christmas Wonderland."

The parade having a theme is a first, he said.

"After looking at other Christmas parade themes in other areas, I decided to go with this one since it was a broad type of theme," he said. "And, plus, Santa Claus will be roaming around."

Hawkins has been involved with the parade for many years.

The Campbellsville Jaycees group used to sponsor the parade, Hawkins said, but had to drop its charter years ago.

"I was the last president of the Jaycees, and I was asked to continue coordinating the parade."

Also new this year will be a float contest, with the grand prize being $250 in cash. Auto Smart will sponsor the prize.

"We wanted organizations to get more recognition for their hard work on their floats than just being in a parade," he said.

Hawkins said he hopes the contest will generate more interest in participating.

To participate in the float contest, the float must feature some type of Christmas scenery, from Santa's elves to Mrs. Claus to nativity scenes.

"It's a Christmas Wonderland, so many things can be done with that," Hawkins said.

Those who would like to enter a float in the parade must be at Jackson Tower by 6 p.m.

Stan Curry of Auto Smart will judge the floats and two other judges will be silent.

This year's parade route will begin at Jackson Tower, head west on Main Street and end at Campbellsville High School.

"Most of the downtown business will be open and this would be a great time to see what they have to offer and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere downtown," Hawkins said.

For more information, call Hawkins at 465-1607.