Christmas parade is next Thursday night
The annual Cairo Christmas Parade is set for next Thursday and this year’s parade will feature some pre-parade entertainment downtown as well as food vendors selling goodies for parade goers.
On Monday night, the Cairo City Council approved a request from Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Jenny Law to close North Broad Street from Second Avenue N.E. to Third Avenue N.E. According to Ms. Law, this would allow for students from Cairo Acrobatics and Off Broad Street Dance Company to perform from 5:15 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
By having entertainment prior to the parade, Ms. Law states she believes it would provide something for parade goers to do while they wait for the parade to begin and would also create a crowd for the food vendors.
According to Ms. Law, the food vendors will be located in the city parking lot at the intersection of South Broad Street and M.L. King Jr. Avenue SW. and in the parking lot on the north side of the Grady County Courthouse. She states that the vendors will set up at 4:30 p.m. and should be selling to the public by 5 p.m.
Ms. Law had requested to appear before the council to explain her request, but was not present Monday night. In a memo dated Nov. 19, she wrote, “Let’s have them spend money and watch local entertainment which may in return be locally invested in future performances.” Ms. Law also wrote, “The chamber is trying to build a stronger presence for the Christmas parade as well as bring more downtown awareness to Cairo.”
This year’s parade theme is “Cowboy Christmas in Grady” and will feature 90 units including four bands. The four bands to perform include the Cairo High School Syrupmaker Marching Band, the Grady County Middle School Band, the Thomasville High School Band and the Pelham High School Band.
The parade steps off at 7 p.m. and will follow the traditional route from the chamber office south to the First United Methodist Church.
The city will enforce no parking on Broad Street beginning at 5 p.m.
“We’re looking forward to another great parade and we invite you to bring the family and your friends out and enjoy a wonderful evening in downtown Cairo,” said veteran parade chairman Michael Best.
