Charger News

Cookeville Christmas parade kicks off holiday season

Jessica Harden, Charger Staff

On December 2, 2002, Cookevillians lined up on the streets in their warmest clothes to celebrate Cookeville’s 39th annual Christmas parade. The parade is sponsored each year by the Chamber of Commerce and each year, the number of spectators and entries grows. The Christmas parade, a Cookeville holiday tradition, began in 1963 and has grown to be one of the largest parades in the state of Tennessee.

The parade is something that everyone can enjoy, both young and old. Every year the number of entries increases. The variety represents a wide range from the CHS and Avery Trace cheerleaders, to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, to the Shrine clubs, to the many pageant winners. CHS clubs were well represented by several entries including FFA, Interact Club, Hiking and Environmental Club, and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).There were also many unique floats transporting riders making unique and seasonal fashion statements. This year, Santa was not at the end of the parade. Following Santa Claus were the Cookeville Ambulance service EMTs and the equestriqan entries. Following the parade in what has become yet another holiday tradition were members of the CHS Interact Club sporting Santa hats and doing cleanup duty as the crowds left for home.

Cookeville hosts an excellent parade. This annual event is one that many call the start of the holiday season. More than after Thanksgiving sales and holiday shopping, it is the beginning point of a season full of joy, love, fun, and laughter.