Crawfordsville is anticipating the arrival of a famous couple Sunday. In fact, the arrival is so highly anticipated there will be a parade through downtown.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are again the honored guests at the annual Crawfordsville/Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. Sunday.
This year’s parade theme is Bicentennial and honors the upcoming 200th anniversary of the creation of Montgomery County.
A total of 50 local businesses and organizations will participate in the celebration. The parade will feature an appearance by the award-winning Montgomery County United Band. Students from Dance by Deborah will again perform in front of the review stand at the Montgomery County Courthouse.
Chamber Director Stacey Sommer said the whole purpose of the parade is to be a fun, family time.
“I hope we will have a good turnout,” Sommer said. “People should come out to the parade. It will bring joy to children and spread the Christmas spirit while supporting the participating businesses.”
Several parade units will be passing out candy, and Penguin Random House employees will be distributing books to children along the parade route.
The parade route is the same as it has been for several years. It officially begins at the railroad tracks on East Main Street and heads west toward Washington Street. The parade then makes a southern turn at Washington Street and travels to Pike Street where it turns back east and concludes at the Ben Hur Study Museum.
Residents who live east of the starting line should be aware participants will be lining up beginning at noon and the city is expected to close streets in the area.
Parade participants will be vying for awards in two categories — adult and youth floats. The top three floats in each category will receive recognition. The awards are sponsored by Lakeside Book Company, CEL&P and 92.1 FM WCVL.
Santa and Mrs. Claus is sponsored by Acuity Brands.
Hoosier Heartland State Bank is the parade sponsor.
