On Saturday, December 7, Lexington held the annual holiday parade downtown at 11 A.M, running from Midland Avenue to Mill Street along Main Street. The parade was produced with the University of Kentucky’s Integrated Strategic Communication Event Planning class and sponsored by the Commonwealth Credit Union.
Lexington Mayor, Linda Gorton, appeared at the parade keeping the tradition from last year’s parade. Members of many organizations rode along the parade route in floats or cars, handing out candy. There were old cars, floats, fire trucks, and a wide assortment of performing groups, including dancers, marching bands, scout troops, politicians, and local businesses.
The parade featured many horses, either pulling carriages or with people riding them. The horses were also dressed up. Some of these costumes included jingle bells, santa hats, red and white saddles, the iconic Oscar Mayer hot dog car, and the Budweiser Clydesdale horse team.
There were many news channels in attendance such as LEX 18 and ABC 36. Many local businesses like Kentucky Ballet Theatre, High Street Neighborhood Center, Once Upon a fairytale Disney princesses, Dance Blue, and Lundy’s Catering were also at the parade. Santa Claus made an appearance towards the end of the parade on a Commonwealth Credit Union float with his reindeer and North Pole set up as well as Mrs. Claus.
At the parade, there were also many marching bands and performances. Lafayette’s marching band appeared at the parade as well as the March Madness Marching Band and Bourbon County Marching Band. The Henry Clay High School dance team also performed.
Freshman Lafayette band member Alaina Whorley told The Times, “We practiced for several hours, including an hour that morning. It was cold and we were freezing our toes and fingers off. It was super fun. We also got to have candy after. It was a 10/10 experience, I would recommend it.”
Overall, the holiday parade was a great success. It’s become an annual tradition in Lexington, which has become known throughout the state for parades like the very successful Thriller Parade during Halloween and the summertime Fourth of July parade. Crowds continue to grow at each of these events that Lexington puts on for its citizens.
