It’s time.
The 2014 Columbus Christmas Parade is Saturday night. It begins at 7 p.m. and takes its normal route: down Main Street then back up College Street. The theme of this year’s parade is “A Super Hero’s Christmas.”
Barbara Bigelow, executive director of Main Street Columbus, said more than 60 organizations and people are taking part in the event. Local high school bands, floats and special characters are on the bill. Santa Claus and Miz Claus will also make an appearance, she said.
“We feel the theme will bring out a great deal of creativity in the community and will also allow people to express themselves in renewing the spirit of Christmas,” Bigelow said.
The parade’s grand marshal is Jasmine Murray, a Columbus native and current Miss Mississippi.
Nine students from local schools in grades kindergarten through fifth grade have been selected as junior grand marshals through a Holiday Art Contest. The students will ride in the Main Street train during the parade, according to Bigelow.
Princess MeShay LeAnn Jimmie will join the parade, as well. Jimmie is representing the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the only federally recognized tribe in Mississippi.
“Our thanks to parade sponsors Spring Mart, Jack’s, The W, Allen Jones Automotive, Cadence Bank, The Auto Spa and The Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau for helping make our Christmas Parade the best yet,” Bigelow said. “We invite everyone downtown to enjoy this wonderful holiday event.”
A detailed parade route map can be obtained at Main Street Columbus office at 107 5th St. N.
Plans for the parade are being made by the Columbus Young Professionals and Main Street Columbus.
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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