Christmas Events
The annual Christmas Parade sponsored by the Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Friday, December 3, on the streets of downtown Winnsboro.
This year's event marks the eighth year the parade has been held after dark, and parade organizers note that the event has grown each year. As usual, the parade will be the culmination of a week-long series of yuletide events in Winnsboro.
Float builders are encouraged to contact the Chamber office to register their float for the parade, which will draw thousands of viewers from throughout Franklin Parish and beyond.
"Last year couldn't have been any better because of the snow that fell before and during the parade," said parade co-chair Paul Price, Jr. "We really don't expect that to happen again, but you never know."
Price noted that the annual event has become a great advertising opportunity for local and area businesses.
"If the past few years have been any indication, this is a great opportunity for local businesses to get their name before the public because, weather permitting, there will be a huge crowd watching the parade."
Bands, elected officials, and beauty queens, along with beautiful lighted floats will comprise this year's parade, which will follow the traditional parade route in downtown Winnsboro.
In addition, a limited number of local non-profit organizations will be selling food and beverages in selected spots along the parade route.
The parade will culminate with the annual fireworks display at Landis Park.
"This event continues to grow, and we hope groups from throughout the parish will enter floats in this year's parade," said parade co-chair Noble Ellington III. "Cash prizes will be awarded to for the best floats, and we hope the friendly float building competition among our local banks and businesses to maintain its intensity."
Commercial float entries will compete for the Santa trophy that they will get to display for a year, while non-profit groups will compete for cash prizes in different categories.
Antique cars are also encouraged to participate in this event, and trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three vehicles. This category is open to any antique car owner within the parish and beyond.
"Car owners will need to register with the Chamber office by November 24," Price said. "Owners can contact the chamber office of visit the chamber website for entry forms."
Also on tap during the week following the Thanksgiving holidays is the annual tree lighting ceremony across the street from Winnsboro City Hall. That event will take place on Tuesday, November 30, at 6 p.m. at the gazebo, and will be coordinated by Wellspring.
Christmas trees sponsored by local businesses on the "Trail of Trees" along the Walking Trail in Winnsboro will also be turned on during the week, and on Thursday, December 2, the annual Children's Christmas Parade will be held on the streets of downtown Winnsboro starting at 6 p.m.
Children from throughout the parish are encouraged to "dress up" their bicycles, electric cars, and wagons and participate in this event.
Entry forms, rules, and other parade information are posted on the Chamber website at http://www.winnsborochamber.com/christmasforms.htm.
Information from Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce.
