By Michelle Price
UCBJ Managing Editor
The Cookeville Christmas Parade committee is asking businesses to embrace the spirit of “Whoville” by decorating their storefront to share the joy of this year’s whimsical theme. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m., and businesses are also invited to do a float or other entry.
The parade committee has decided this year will be all about the kids having a blast and making memories. The family fun-focused theme for 2018 is “Whoville.” This whimsical theme will guide kids in the community on a journey into the land of the “Whos,” Mount Crompit, Cindy Lou, Max, Mayor Augustus Maywho, and of course, the Grinch!
There will be over $3,000 in prize money for winning floats this year in seven categories including large business, small business, schools, non-profits, churches, clubs and more.
“We started last year giving away prize money in each category,” parade chairman Randy Porter explained. “We started specifically calling on our businesses, organizations and non-profits and schools, and we had the largest parade that Cookeville has had in many years. We are wanting to carry forward in that this year.
“We are not only asking those businesses to do a float or an entry this year, but we are also asking those businesses along the parade route, starting at first and Washington going along Broad to the Depot, to decorate their storefronts. We are going to be giving away a prize to the best decorated storefront this year.”
The parade this year will not only be loads of fun for children, but very meaningful as well, because it will be dedicated to the families of the 278th who are currently deployed in Poland. Special accommodations will be made to spotlight these families and to show how much military personnel are appreciated.
Application packets will be available soon, and there is no entry fee.
