Kannapolis holiday festivities continue with the 76th Annual Kannapolis Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13. Starting at 6 p.m., the parade begins at the intersection of Main Street and Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, and concludes at the intersection of Vance and West avenues.  Thousands come out each year for this event, so make sure you get your spot early.

Helen Beaver will serve as the Parade Grand Marshal. Special guests will be employees of the What-A-Burger Restaurants who are celebrating over 50 years.

The parade is hosted by the Cabarrus Events Association and the city of Kannapolis. Cannon Pharmacy is the presenting sponsor of the event.

Helen Beaver was elected as the first female councilwoman after Kannapolis was incorporated in 1984, serving for 12 years. Prior to that, she was appointed to serve on the advisory board in regards to Kannapolis becoming a city. Beaver has accumulated a list of honors and citations for public service, civic and professional achievements by serving as president of the Kannapolis History Association, volunteering at the GI House and being instrumental in coordinating a neighborhood watch for the Blackwelder Park community.

She continues to serve as a Cub Scout Master of Pack 33 at Trinity Methodist Church, being the first woman in the area to receive the highest scouting award for leaders, The Silver Beaver Award. She most recently received her 50-year pin for her service in Scouting. She has also received many other Scouting honors including Good Shepherd Award, Den Mother of the Year Award, Adult Religious Award, Training and and Leader Awards, Scouters Key Award.

Beaver has sat on the Pop Warner Kannapolis Football and Cheer Board for many years and serves on the Kannapolis Legion Baseball Post 115 Board of Directors. She also served as head coach of the YMCA girl’s softball team.

She worked as a dental assistant and now works as a substitute teacher with Kannapolis City Schools. She has been a caregiver for many years to an elderly neighbor and continues to visit many people in nursing homes.

She has been an active member of the Pilot Club since 1983, serving on the board and she has been named Pilot of the Year. She is past president of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post 115. She is a member of Blackwelder Park Baptist Church. She was recently recognized for her extensive volunteer service to the City by the Kannapolis City Council.

She has two children, Garry Furr Jr. and Kymberly Hubbard and three grandchildren, Matt, Landon and Chandler Hubbard.