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Greenville residents can mark their calendars for Tuesday, Dec. 5 as an eagerly awaited holiday event returns to downtown Greenville. The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Greenville has slated its annual Christmas parade to kick off downtown at 6:30 p.m. with the theme, “Winter Wonderland.”

Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Tracy Salter said the theme encapsulates all the magic and wonder of Christmas in a sophisticated and classic style. 

“There are all kinds of things you can do with this year’s theme, from snowmen, snow covered trees, snowflakes and so much more,” Salter said. “We encourage community members to put on those creative caps and let’s support the parade and the efforts through ‘Winter Wonderland’ this year.”

There will also be other activities before the parade in Confederate Park, including the official lighting of the City’s Christmas tree and the opportunity to meet jolly old Saint Nick himself and get photos taken with him.

Park festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with pictures with Santa, Christmas music and concessions, followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. and the parade at 6:30 p.m. 

Mayor Dexter McLendon remarked he anticipates the parade every year.  

“The City of Greenville’s Christmas Parade is an annual holiday tradition we look forward to each year,” McLendon said. “It brings together our community and I always enjoy watching the creativity of our parade participants.”

 Salter said the Greenville Lions Club will host the concession tent in Confederate Park this year, with plans to have hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee, funnel cakes and more. 

“For those looking for a warm cup of hot chocolate and tasty treats a little further down the parade route, the Camellia City Sweet Treats food truck will be set up in the Few Street Park area located next door to Johnson Furniture,” Salter said. 

Salter added that the police department will begin shutting down the main parade route, Commerce Street from the Train Depot to the Courthouse, and lineup areas at 4:30 p.m. sharp. The parade lineup begins at 5:00 p.m. The route will reopen once the parade and park festivities end. 

Salter said the parade is an annual tradition and brings fun and fellowship to downtown Greenville. 

“Everyone has gotten back in the swing of things after the Thanksgiving holiday, and it’s an opportunity to enjoy the official lighting of the tree in the park, visit with Santa, view the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations and enjoy the beautiful parade lineup,” Salter said.

The deadline for parade applications is Nov. 27. Salter said there will be no exceptions on the entry deadline, and there are important rules and regulations entry participants need to know beforehand. There will be first and second place prizes for the best-decorated float and vehicle categories. 

Salter also stresses the importance of being creative in designing a float that best represents the theme.

“This year’s theme is super fun and easy,” Salter said. “We want to see lots of lights and colorful displays of decorations that highlight our business and community.”

For more details on the upcoming parade or to request an application, contact the
Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at 382-3251 or visit them online
at www.greenvillealchamber.com.