The 74th annual Chillicothe Holiday Parade is this Saturday at 10:00 am. The 2020 parade route will be from Polk Street to Ann Street on Washington and Locust. The theme for this year’s parade is “Home For The Holidays!”
As usual, the parade will include floats and entries from many different organizations, youth groups, churches, businesses and individuals throughout Chillicothe. A number of bands or musical groups from around the area will also be involved as a part of the parade, including the Chillicothe High School Marching Hornets and the Chillicothe Middle School 7th- and 8th-grade bands.
Chamber of Commerce Director Crystal Narr says, “In an effort to provide the community with this longtime tradition, certain changes have been made to keep our community safe amid COVID-19. All parade spectators are asked to abide by social distancing guidelines and masks are encouraged.” Narr says we are fortunate to have a very lengthy parade route stretching from Polk Street to Third Street on both Washington & Locust which provides plenty of space for attendees to spread out. This year the parade will also be broadcast on Facebook Live through the Chillicothe Area Chamber page beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday. There will not be a stage or main performance area this year to lessen crowding. Instead, bands will perform at several locations throughout the parade route and people are invited to listen to the announcers through the live FB feed. Additionally, candy or handouts will not be passed out this year.
Judging of the parade will take place during the parade with announcements made Saturday afternoon.
