CARRBORO, N.C. -- The towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro are excited to announce the return of the Community Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 3 at 10:30 a.m. The parade will highlight a variety of arts, cultural, and winter holiday traditions.
Due to COVID restrictions, the parade has been on hiatus for two years. In planning for the parade’s return, representatives from Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture, Carrboro Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Resources, and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, discussed how the event could better reflect the community and its values. Susan Brown, Director of Community Arts & Culture, says they all agreed that “This event could and should better showcase the many different cultural and holiday traditions in our community, as well as our commitment to environmental stewardship.” UNC Arts Everywhere and UNC Community Relations are also assisting with planning and outreach. The route will take the parade through the downtown areas of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Matt Gladdek, Executive Director for the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, is excited to bring the parade back to the downtown. “It’s important to highlight the downtown area as the civic and cultural center of Chapel Hill.” The route is symbolic of the connection between the two municipalities. “We are excited for the return of the holiday parade as it is a great opportunity to bring together our two towns in celebration of our shared values and of the diverse range of holiday traditions that make our community such a great place to live, “ states Charles Harrington, the Interim Director Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources for the Town of Carrboro.
To create a more inclusive and diverse event, parade planners curated participation through an open call for creative and festive parade units. Approximately forty local organizations and community groups will entertain, engage, and reflect the winter holiday theme and diverse cultural traditions. Parade planners have also invited community and campus performance groups, like marching bands, drum corps, and choruses to participate.
For more information, visit chapelhillarts.org/parade.
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