Gadsden Christmas Parade returns for 2021 after last year's COVID cancellation

Greg Bailey, The Gadsden Times
·2 min read
Mountain Rams cheerleaders are pictured on a float during the 2019 Gadsden Christmas Parade. The annual parade returns on Dec. 4, after being canceled last year because of COVID-19.
Mountain Rams cheerleaders are pictured on a float during the 2019 Gadsden Christmas Parade. The annual parade returns on Dec. 4, after being canceled last year because of COVID-19.

Gadsden's Christmas Parade is returning for 2021, after being canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials of the Gadsden Kiwanis Club, which sponsors the event, announced in a press release on Tuesday that the parade will step off at 10 a.m. Dec. 4 at Seventh and Broad streets.

Last year's cancellation stemmed from fears at the time about having crowds of people in proximity, and concerns over the safety of Kiwanis Club volunteers, parade participants and spectators.

This year's lineup will start at 8:30 a.m. and the basic parade format will be traditional: floats, automobiles, walking and other unique units, marching bands and, closing the show, Santa Claus.

However, there's a new twist for 2021 — the Santa Sprint, a 5k run that will lead the parade beginning at 9:30 a.m.

It's hosted by Etowah C.A.R.E.S (Community Alliance for Revitalization, Economic Development and Schools), which according to its Facebook page seeks “to promote and advance policies and practices consistent with economic development, revitalization and educational expansion and excellence, and to provide informational services regarding community issues in pending or proposed action by governmental entities and public agencies” in Etowah County.

Registration fees for walking and driving units, cars and floats are $25 per unit or vehicle. There is no fee for nonprofits, churches or bands.

Santa Claus is always the highlight of the Gadsden Christmas Parade.
Santa Claus is always the highlight of the Gadsden Christmas Parade.

The registration deadline is Nov. 19; visit gadsdenchristmasparade.com to sign up or for more information.

Entry fee for the Santa Sprit is $25 and includes a swag bag, T-shirt and drink ticket. There will be first through third place awards in the men's and women's divisions, and best dressed prizes for “Mr. and/or Mrs. Santa Claus.”

Sponsorships also are available. For more information, email santasprintgadsden@gmail.com.

Hokes Bluff also has announced its Christmas Parade will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 11; lineup (between Hokes Bluff Elementary and Middle schools) is set for 3 p.m. and judging for 3:30 p.m. (There are three cash prizes.)

Entry deadline is Dec. 9, and forms may be picked up at the city's library or from any Tawannah Lions Club member.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden's Christmas Parade returns on December 4, 2021