Main Street Texarkana is presenting the 35th Annual Christmas Parade on Monday, December 9th at 7 pm. The theme for this year’s parade is “A Twice As Nice Christmas!” Entries are due by Friday, November 29th.
“This year’s theme uniquely reflects our Texarkana,” said Ina McDowell, executive director of Main Street Texarkana, adding, “Each year the parade draws thousands along the Broad Street/State Line Ave. route and ending in front of the beautiful downtown Courthouse/Post Office.”
“Three live camels lead the parade each year, and keeping with the theme, two of the camels are being ridden by our City Mayors. Mayor Bob Bruggeman, City of Texarkana, TX, and Mayor Allen Brown, City of Texarkana, AR will act as our Grand Marshalls and will lead the parade on the camels,” McDowell said.
“The camels arrive at 5 pm. Children may see the camels before the parade begins to take pictures. They are in the grassy area within the Front Street Festival Plaza. The camels have been a tradition of the parade for many years, and we are grateful to the Patterson-Troike Foundation for helping us secure their participation,” McDowell added.
Many participate in the parade each year including churches, area high school bands, cheerleaders, dance schools, antique cars and a multitude of local businesses. Trophies are presented in several categories for those that choose to be judged by a panel of local judges.
“We are so grateful for the participation and attendance, making it a wonderful event for all ages! It helps kick off the holiday in Texarkana,” McDowell said.
Before the parade, the City of Texarkana, TX will host a Holiday Farmer’s Market from 5-7 pm with great treats for Christmas that include homemade, jams, jellies, gift items, and live music.
Applications for the Main Street Christmas Parade are available at mainstreettexarkana.org, or at the Main Street office, 819 N. State Line Ave. (Chamber of Commerce) The deadline for parade applications is Friday, November 29, 2019. There is an application fee of $20.00. If you would like more information, please contact Main Street Texarkana at 903.792.7191, email Mainstreet@texarkana.org, or visit MainStreetTexarkana.org for more information. The office will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving Holiday. However, applications may be submitted online through the website or via email as listed above.
