Downtown Newnan parade Dec. 2
From STAFF REPORTSnews@newnan.com
Newnan’s annual Christmas parade will be Dec. 2, and applications are now available on the city website for those who would like to participate.
The parade will begin at 3 p.m. at the city park at Temple Avenue and Jackson Street and continue on Jackson Street, through the Court Square and out LaGrange Street to Newnan High School.
“We are looking forward to the parade this year. It’s always an anticipated activity for the city. Christmas is a very special time, and it is fun to help spread the Christmas cheer. To the delight of all the kids, Santa Claus is coming to town,” said Gina Snider, city public information officer.
Every year there is a float contest that goes along with the parade. This year, each winner of the following categories will receive a cash prize of $150. The categories include: Large Business, Small Business, Church/School, and Civic/Nonprofit.
A “People’s Choice” will be voted on the city’s Facebook page and the city’s website the next day and the winner will receive a plaque and social media recognition for this honor, Snider added.
Also, 25 percent of the Christmas Parade proceeds this year will benefit the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade. Georgia Municipal Association began the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade in 1958 at the request of then-Gov. Ernest Vandiver as a way of providing holiday gifts for the patients of Georgia’s mental health and retardation hospitals. The program is also aimed at raising the awareness of the needs of Georgia’s mental hospitals.
There are currently seven regional mental health hospitals in the state, serving some 3,200 Georgians. Many of these clients have lived in the hospital facility for much of their lives and receive little, if any, support from their families. Without the Mayors’ Christmas Motorcade, the staff at these hospitals have said, many of their clients would not receive a gift for the holidays.
You can download a parade application at the city website, www.ci.newnan.ga.us , or pick one up at Newnan City Hall located at 25 LaGrange St. The application deadline is Nov. 26. The entry fee is $35.
