After many years in the evening and many others on Tuesdays, the Kannapolis Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m. and will be followed by the annual tree lighting in Village Park at 7 p.m.
Floats from across the region will showcase marching bands, dance troupes and local businesses. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries from schools, churches and civic clubs. The deadline for float entries is Nov. 18.
The program for the tree lighting will include music, parade prizes and fireworks. The lights include the soldiers and other ornaments that used to line Town Lake in front of Cannon Mills.
In an effort to provide opportunities for downtown merchants, no outside vendors will be licensed for this year’s parade. All food and beverage will be provided by Restaurant 46, DePompa’s Comfortable Foods, Village Grill and Pizza Hut.
The entry fee for participants this year is $50. Those who wish to participate can contact Tim Mueller with the Kannapolis Intimidators or Gary Mills with the Kannapolis Parks & Recreation Department.
Information regarding entry packets, rules, regulations and more can be found at the parade’s Web site: christmasparade.wordpress.com.