Madison Christmas Parade to show small-town charm

MADISON – Even though Mrs. Claus questioned it, Santa Claus has finalized his schedule to include a stop for the 2024 Madison Christmas Parade on Dec. 14.

At 7 p.m., parade units will proceed east on Plaza Boulevard and turn right (south) on Hughes Road. The parade will continue to Insanity Complex, 100 Skate Park, at the intersection of Mill and Hughes roads, and units will disband.

The parade theme will be “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The route is approximately 1.1 miles. The Parks and Recreation Department with the City of Madison sponsors the parade.

“This year’s theme, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,’ reminds us all of what a great place we call home,” spokesperson Debbie Overcash said.

Parade units from mom-andpop businesses, school clubs and children’s extracurricular groups retain the nostalgic charm of small-town life. Spectators can plan to see elected officials riding by, along with bands, dancers and baton twirlers proudly marching.

Participants should decorate their parade entry to match the theme. Judges will select winners during lineup and the actual parade. Winners will receive their awards at an upcoming meeting of Madison City Council.

Because Santa Claus himself will ride in his sleigh as parade anchor, parade units cannot have ‘live’ Santas. Units must always be in motion; any stop, such as delaying the parade for a demo, is prohibited.

All participants must follow the parade’s safety policy approved by the City of Madison. Riders on a unit must be secured with raised sides on vehicles. Adults always must supervise and accompany all children, whether walking, marching or riding. All participants are responsible for confirming that all vehicles, floats and trailers have visible lights.

A representative from participating groups must attend a mandatory meeting on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers of Madison City Hall. If a representative does not attend, officials will remove that unit from the parade. Participants will receive rules and procedures at the mandatory meeting.

Units that distribute candy during the parade must buy weighted candy (no lightweight candy) or have a person walk along and hand out candy.

The parade coordinator will be in charge throughout the event.

Participants should mail forms to Madison Christmas Parade, 8324 Old Madison Pike, Madison, AL 35758, or email to SpecialEvents@madisonal.gov. The participants also can bring forms to the front desk at Madison Community Center, 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road.

Parade units will compete for the “Merry and Bright Award,” “Holly Jolly Award” and “Committee’s Choice Award.”

For more information, email SpecialEvents@madisonal.gov, or call 256-772-6264.