Christmas parade set for Dec. 9

The Philadelphia Christmas parade is set for Monday, Dec. 9, starting at 6 p.m.

The parade starts on Poplar Avenue, goes west on Main Street, takes a right onto Byrd Avenue at the Courthouse, then goes east on Beacon Street, then takes a left on Church Avenue, another left on Myrtle Street, then a right back onto Byrd Avenue and ends at Philadelphia High School, according to Tim Moore, executive director of Philadelphia Main Street.

This year’s Christmas Parade will once again carry the theme “A Hometown Christmas,” reflecting the ongoing partnership with the Christmas Committee. The theme builds on the success of last year’s unforgettable festivities, which featured the city’s first tree-lighting ceremony.

“The parade has a little bit of everything for everybody,” Moore said. “Every year, we have bands, the Junior ROTC, Choctaw Indian princesses, homecoming queens, and floats decorated in all different styles.”

“I think people should come to the parade because it’s an annual event,” he added. “I always relive my childhood days when I watch the Christmas parades. There’s always something magical about them.”

Although the deadline to submit an application to participate was Friday, Nov. 13, Main Street is still accepting late entries with a $5 late fee. However, no entries will be accepted after Wednesday, Nov. 27.

To register, visit The Depot at 256 W. Beacon Street or call (601) 656-1000 for more information. The cost to participate is $20.