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HomeArts/LeisureClarksville kicks off the Christmas Season with annual Lighted Parade

Clarksville kicks off the Christmas Season with annual Lighted Parade

ChristmasClarksville, TN – On Saturday, December 3rd, 2016, the 57th Annual Clarksville Lighted Christmas Parade was held in Downtown Clarksville. The theme this year was “Christmas Trees & Memories”.

Caroling on the courthouse steps began before the parade at 4:00pm. The Montgomery Central Elementary School Honor Choir; Clarksville Academy Choirs; Northeast High School Exit One, JV Exit One & Concert Choirs; and West Creek High School Honor Choir sang Christmas carols and performed to the delight of the crowd before the start of the parade.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in the 56th Annual Clarksville Lighted Christmas Parade held Saturday.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in the 56th Annual Clarksville Lighted Christmas Parade held Saturday.

The City of Clarksville and Montgomery County Government hosted the Christmas Parade. The parade started at 5:00pm. The Grand Marshall for the parade was Tristan McIntosh from American Idol.

The Christmas parade featured the Governors own Marching Band from Austin Peay, local schools, high school bands, churches, organizations and local businesses all deck out for Christmas and spreading holiday cheer.

The parade route began on 8th Street on the campus of Austin Peay State University. From eighth Street, it proceeded to College and then to University and began following the same route as years past going around Public Square, then around the Historic Courthouse and back to Franklin Street.

From Franklin Street, turn onto 8th Street, back onto the campus of APSU.

Parade entry divisions include: Civic/Church, Business/Commercial, and City/County. Awards will be were presented to the first through third place winners in each division.

Winners there year were:

Civic
1st- Clarksville Rotary Club
2nd- Northwest High School FFA Clarksville TN
3rd- Girls Scout Troop #743

Government
1st- CDE Lightband
2nd- City of Clarksville

Business
1st- EXIT Realty
2nd- Hair II
3rd- Wedding Belles

Everyone one, young and old alike, cheered and clapped as the floats, lights and bands past by. At the end, it was good old Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus that was really the highlight of the evening. Everyone shouted and was thrilled when Saint Nicholas came by on horse drawn wagon.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrent begins the countdown to the lighting of the County Christmas Tree.
Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrent begins the countdown to the lighting of the County Christmas Tree.

After the parade, Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett gave the count down and turned the lights on for the County Christmas Tree. Then, Santa Claus stopped by to talk and have pictures taken with the kids and even some adults.

Montgomery County Christmas Tree.
Montgomery County Christmas Tree.

“I think the events tonight were just awesome. It’s the season of giving. We had a great parade tonight. There were lots of entries this year with lots of good floats, lots of marching bands and kids on the streets,” stated Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett. “Christmas is just a special season to me.”

Parade Photos

Santa Photos

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