PARA Plans West Alabama Christmas Parade, Vote for Theme Now

As summer winds down and preparations for the final four months of the year ramp up, the Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority has set a date for its annual Christmas parade and is looking for input on its theme.

PARA is hosting the 48th Annual West Alabama Christmas PARAde on Monday, December 9th following the ceremonial Tree Lighting at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse at 5:15 p.m.

As always, residents and visitors can expect a long train of festive, decorated floats and vehicles, marchers, carolers, horses and more.

The event theme has yet to be determined, and PARA is taking votes on three options now, which include:

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Christmas for a Cause
Santa's Workshop

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Folks can vote now at tcpara.org/parade and help decide how the always magical night plays out.

PARA is also taking nominations for the Grand Marshall of the PARAde, which honors individuals who have made a significant impact in West Alabama.

"Nominees should be recognized for their community contributions, lifetime achievements, and career accomplishments. Nominations can be submitted by youth, individuals, businesses, agencies, civic organizations, and more," the organization said in a press release.

To submit a nomination:

Online: 2024 GRAND MARSHAL NOMINATION FORM
By Email: Send completed forms to Heather Shipley at hshipley@tcpara.org
By Mail: Send to PARA Building, 614 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
In Person: Drop off at PARA Building, 614 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

The deadline for nominations is October 22 at 5 p.m.

PARA also wants to remind those who wish to participate in the parade that registration is not yet open, but will be in late August or early September, with a couple months to sign up before a November 15th deadline. The Thread will have more when registration opens in the next few weeks.

Finally, the Parade Participant Meeting is set for Tuesday, November 19th at 5:45 p.m. in the Belk Activity Center.

For all parade-related inquiries, please contact Heather Shipley at 205.994.9878 or via email at hshipley@tcpara.org.