Main Street Columbus and presenting sponsor Edward Jones Investments Josh Read are excited to announce the 2024 Columbus Christmas Parade, which will march down Main Street and back up College Street at 7 p.m. Dec. 3.

The theme “A Merry Musical Christmas” allows everyone to have some fun with Christmas carols, choosing their favorite and bringing it to life for attendees to enjoy.

Main Street Columbus invites individuals, children’s groups, churches, and community organizations to consider participating in the Christmas Parade. Applications are available at columbusmainstreet.com, on the Main Street Columbus Facebook page or by calling (662) 328-6305. Information regarding sponsorship of the parade is also available at these locations.

“We are excited to announce that Dawn Barham, from MSMS, has agreed to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal,” Barbara Bigelow, executive director of Main Street Columbus, said. “Not only is Dawn extremely talented, she is a fabulous representative of our community and MSMS. We are fortunate to have her teaching today’s kids and providing them with a valued educational experience they will not forget.”

Barham is in her 36th year as a music educator in the Mississippi public school system, with 32 of those years being at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science on the Mississippi University for Women campus.

Under Barham’s direction, the MSMS performing ensembles have performed for governors, legislators, mayors, presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as music legends Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King. They have also performed at several famous locations throughout the state and nation.

Barham is a national board-certified teacher, a Grammy nominated quarter finalist music educator, and an inductee of the Mississippi Hall of Master Teachers. Appointed by Governor Tate Reeves, Barham serves as the secondary education representative on the Board of Directors for the Educational Television Authority (MS Public Broadcasting). She has served on Boards of Directors for the MS Boy Choirs, Columbus Arts Council and Hattiesburg Youth Orchestra. Current and past professional affiliations include National Association for Music Education, MS Music Educators Association, the American Choral Directors Association, MS Theater Association and the MS Bandmasters Association.

She has shared the stage with such notables as Marshall Tucker Band, Montgomery Gentry, the Little River Band, and others.

Not only has Barham had enormous success in music endeavors, she has given her time to causes such as Camp Rising Sun, Mississippi School for the Blind and Deaf, Lowndes County Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Safe Haven, MS Sheriff Boys’ Ranch and numerous other nonprofits.

“Dawn has given many, many hours to the Columbus Main Street organization,” Bigelow said. “She is entertainment chair for Market Street Festival and always willing to help locate entertainment for various events. Basically, she is always willing to assist with anything that is needed by Main Street, even on last-minute notice. It seems I am constantly thanking her for something.”

“I am delighted to be selected as this year’s Grand Marshal for the City’s Christmas Parade!” Barham said. “This is such a wonderful opportunity to participate in this highly anticipated and special event alongside the community, and I am deeply grateful for the honor.”

“We invite everyone in our community to join us on December 3 at 7 p.m. for this year’s Christmas Parade. It’s going to be a wonderful evening in downtown Columbus,” Bigelow added.