This time last year, parade entries for the Oakes Auto Group & Family Greenville Christmas Parade were piling up.
As is everything else this holiday season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s parade will be significantly different but still a sight to see.
Flashing back to Christmas 2019, Greater Greenville Housing & Revitalization CEO Daniel Boggs had pointed out that float participation increased over the three years prior by 23% each year — quite the achievement.
Despite current circumstances, Main Street Greenville and Oakes Auto Group has found a way to keep the long-running and festive tradition alive by designing a “reverse” parade, meaning, the parade will feature stationary floats along Washington Ave allowing spectators to drive through the festivities.
Main Street Greenville will allot spaces on both sides of the street for entrants to decorate spaces, park floats, and/or perform music or dances.
Greater Greenville marketing coordinator Deanne New was asked how organizers came up with such a unique alternative so that people in Greenville and surrounding areas would still have some semblance of tradition.
“The idea unfolded organically as we discussed alternative solutions for the Delta Hot Tamale Festival. This particular idea wouldn’t have worked for the festival, but we felt it was a solid idea to consider for the parade if we saw there was a need to change,” she said.
As far as expectations for participation, New said Main Street Greenville has received a very positive response from many annual entrants willing to park their float or decorate a space.
However, there are several groups who consistently participate who will not be able to this year, New highlighted.
“Some schools are in a virtual learning environment or have postponed athletic seasons. As a result, many marching bands, dance teams, and cheer squads have not been practicing and will not be able to attend,” she explained.
Because of what will be quite a void to fill, Main Street Greenville is seeking the participation of church choirs, small bands, musicians with a guitar and a microphone, drum lines and schools who have been able to practice together to sign up for a designated space to sing Christmas carols along the parade route.
New said while organizing the stationary Christmas parade has not necessarily been a challenge, the organization has increased the amount of time spent on this year’s parade.
“We are building decorations for Stein Mart Square, gathering donations to dress up downtown, contacting groups who don’t normally participate in an attempt to fill the gaps, and more,” she shared.
When New was asked what she and the organization anticipates will be the main attraction of this year’s festivities, she responded, “The lights!”
“Two years ago, we had to move the parade to an evening because of the weather. The response we received to this being a nighttime event was overwhelmingly positive,” she explained. “To help achieve a beautiful stationary parade, we moved it to an evening festivity to highlight the decorations our organization and downtown businesses are investing in this holiday tradition.”
New said for the organizers, it is a priority to make the Christmas parade successful every year, but they feel it is especially important this year.
“So many things have been canceled in the last several months, but this is an opportunity to come together as a community and do something fun in a safe way. We are excited to see the different ways each group decorates its space,” she added.
Main Street Greenville has added new categories which will award cash prizes to winning decorating groups.
Even though progress with filling in slots is being made, there is still a need for more groups.
“We encourage every small business, civic organization, church, school, and friend group to enter. It will truly be a fun time,” New reiterated.
An application for entry can be found on Main Street Greenville’s website, mainstreetgreenville.org or interested participants who have questions or need additional information can contact the office at 662-378-3121.
This year’s Greenville Christmas Parade festivities will commence at 5:30 p.m. on Washington Avenue and conclude at 7:30 p.m.
