“Sounds of the Season” is the theme of the 2018 Columbus Christmas Parade, which will begin making its way through downtown at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, led by Grand Marshal Col. Samantha Weeks.
Weeks, commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base, will be accompanied by her husband, Steve Broderick,
“We are honored that Col. Weeks will be this year’s grand marshal,” said Barbara Bigelow, executive director of Main Street Columbus, the parade’s presenter. “Col. Weeks’ recent assignment to CAFB brings many years of experience and a new set of eyes to our wonderful air force base.”
A team of community volunteers make up the parade committee that is hard at work to make this year’s event the best one yet, Bigelow said. Children’s groups and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the parade that offers competitive and non-competitive categories. Applications are available online at columbusmainstreet.com, on the Main Street Columbus Facebook page, or at its office at 107 Fifth St. N.
“I think everyone can connect with this year’s theme. Who doesn’t have a favorite Christmas sound?” Bigelow said. Whether it’s the familiar songs, the bells of the season, carolers or squeals of happiness on Christmas morning, parade organizers invite participants to share their favorite holiday sounds on Dec. 3.
Art contest
A Holiday Art Contest for children in kindergarten through fifth grade has determined junior parade marshals who will ride in a special train float for the festivities. First-, second- and third-place winners in each of three categories receive a cash prize as well. Winning artwork and artists will also be featured in local media, Bigelow said.
Bands from local junior high and high schools will add excitement along the parade route, as will some new attractions. No parade is complete without Santa Claus. He’ll make a pre-Christmas stop in Columbus, temporarily trading his sleigh for a ride on a Columbus Fire and Rescue engine.
“We hope everybody in our community will come out and celebrate the holiday season with us as we bring the magic of Christmas to downtown Columbus,” said Bigelow.
“Our thanks to our sponsors, without which the parade would not be possible,” she continued. They include BankFirst, Twin States Federal Credit Union, Eat With Us Group, Ecco Ride, Brislin Inc. and Huck’s. Other businesses interested in supporting the event through sponsorships are asked to contact Main Street Columbus at 662-328-6305 for more information.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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