With the weather forecast clearing, Saturday, December 11th promises to provide a day full of festivities with the annual Christmas Festival in Downtown Paris! Activities include a concert by the Inman Middle School Chorus, readings of the Polar Express by the Arts Council, a free rockwall, free coffee for shoppers from 2:00-4:00 PM at Jack’s Java, Santa and Mama Claus, a free lighted trackless train from 5:00-8:00 PM, a movie in the street, and the highlight of the day will be the Holly Jolly Electric Christmas Parade at 5:00 PM.
Food trucks, Christmas decorations, the Passport shopping activity, and more add to the festivities. Also, stroll through The Old Paris 5 & 10 Event Center and view 30 uniquely decorated Christmas trees at Festival of Trees, sponsored by My Favorite Things! Be sure to vote for your favorite!
Once you’ve shopped ‘til you dropped, stick around and watch the Holly Jolly Electric Christmas Parade, sponsored by Michael Sargent with State Farm Insurance. This holiday tradition is sure to be merry and bright as all entries must be completely lit to enter the parade. This year’s ambassadors honor Kathy and Larry Ray and the Grand Marshal will be the Bicentennial Committee. The route will begin at First United Methodist Church and head north on Poplar Avenue, turn right on Ruff Street, and will travel south down Brewer Street. If you are interested in submitting an entry, please visit www.VisitDowntownParis.com for an entry form. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: Most Christmas Spirit, Best Religious Theme, Best Decorated Float, Best Marching/Walking Unit, Best Decorated Golf Cart or Small Tractor, Clark Griswold Award (Best Lit Entry).
Looking for more? Visit www.lightupparistn.com for a list and map of Christmas lights to experience throughout the community.
Other Christmas Partners include BOI, LLC, Chesemore Dental Group, Henry County Medical Center, My Favorite Things, Mockingbird Catering, Orr Investment Management, Paris BPU, ServPro, Michael Sargent State Farm, and Street Dynamics.
For more information contact the Downtown Paris Association at (731) 642-3431. Be watching their social media outlets for updated information.