By ROBERT JUMPER
ONE FEATHER STAFF
The annual Cherokee Christmas parade is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30pm. The theme for this year’s parade is tied to the Christmas extravaganza at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds, Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas.
Josie Long and Cherokee Welcome Center staff in the Destination Marketing Program of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have been heading up the Christmas parade for several years. The parade is always highly anticipated and well received by community members and visitors.
Returning highlights of the parade include the Cherokee Royalty (the reigning Miss Cherokee, Junior Miss, Teen Miss and Little Miss), life-size costumed characters from cartoons and the Hillcrest High Steppin’ Majorettes and Drum Corp from Asheville. Local bands that have confirmed participation in the Christmas Parade include Cherokee and Andrews High School marching bands. Spectators may expect to see the latest municipal vehicles from EMS, Fire and Cherokee Police Department as they represent our various community service programs. Local veterans and other organizations will be walking in the parade. Santa is also schedule to make an appearance.
Keep in mind that Whitewater Drive will be unavailable to vehicular traffic from 1pm to approximately 6:30pm on Dec. 6 for the parade line up and parade. Floats should begin lining up no later than 2pm and be in place by 4pm.
Parties interested in participating in the parade still have time to register. For more information or to register, contact the Cherokee Welcome Center 554-6490, email travel@nc-cherokee.com or drop by the office at 498 Tsali Boulevard. Floats based on theme will need to register to be eligible for the first place prize of $1000 or second place of $700. Deadline for registration is Friday, Dec. 5.
