CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The 60th annual evening Christmas parade will take place in downtown Clarksville on Saturday, December 7. This free event will begin and end at Austin Peay State University and move through historic downtown.
Thousands of people come to enjoy the events surrounding the Christmas Parade every year.
Before the parade families can attend Spiritfest in and around the Downtown Commons. The fifth annual Spiritfest will feature live Nativity scene, complete with animals, hot chocolate, games, and even a visit from Santa. Spiritfest is from 2 – 5 p.m. and is a free event.
Visitors can also stop by the Montgomery County Courthouse to join several local school choirs in caroling. The music groups will perform on the steps of the Courthouse leading up to the start of the parade, which begins at 5 p.m.
Just after sunset, the Clarksville Christmas Parade will begin. Many spectators will congregate around Public Square, along Franklin Street, near the Courthouse and around University Avenue. Parking may be restricted in some areas, but the parking garage on Commerce and Second is open.
This year’s Grand Marshals for the Christmas Parade are the Robinson family. The family of the late Mike Robinson, wife Rhonda Robinson and children Bryce, Bayleigh and Carly Robinson, will be this year’s grand marshals. Mike Robinson passed in August from cancer. He was a popular local musician, coach and most importantly a husband and father.
“Part of Mike’s legacy will always be how much he meant to this city and how much it meant to him. We continue to be overwhelmed and grateful for the support that our community has shown over the last two years and especially the last couple of months,” said Rhonda Robinson.
Following the Christmas Parade, visitors can head down to McGregor Park and enjoy more holiday goodness with the Christmas on the Cumberland. This one-mile riverwalk has over one million Christmas lights on display.
Christmas on the Cumberland will continue until January. The Downtown Commons ice rink, will also remain open through January, with special deals on Thursdays as well as extended hours over winter break.