Last Updated on November 30, 2023 3:10 pm
The Town of Boone Holiday Parade takes place on Saturday, December 9, at 2 p.m. Local businesses, nonprofits, churches, and performing groups will march through downtown Boone for this annual holiday tradition.
The parade will follow its usual route traveling east down King St. starting at the Watauga Social Services parking lot and ending at the intersection with Hardin Street. Immediately prior to the parade’s start, King Street will be closed to vehicle access from Poplar Grove Connector to Hardin Street, and will remain closed until all parade participants have cleared the road.
Prior to the parade, between 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., the public is invited to stop by the Watauga County Public Library for holiday fun and activities. Guests can enjoy “reindeer games,” music, hot cocoa, and gingerbread funnel cakes, as well as browse the library book sale.
When the parade kicks off at 2 p.m., kids and kids at heart will enjoy the festively adorned floats, cars, trucks, and marchers, as dozens of community groups show off their yuletide best. From the spirited Squatch Guard of Appalachian FC and the decorated drift boat of Boone’s Fly Shop to the brilliant bubbling of Ayla the Dreams Fairy and the merry marching of the local Girl Scouts – there will be something to delight everyone in attendance. And, as always, there will be plenty of candy and treats to go around.
“We are grateful for the support we get from the local community,” says Town of Boone Cultural Resources Director Mark Freed. “Last year we had a record number of entries for the Holiday Parade. This time around we look forward to having an equally full parade that will include a cast of familiar faces, along with some first timers.”
Favorite performing groups like Sole Impact, Appalachian Rhythm, Harvest House Dance, and Las Rosas y Los Claveles will be joined by parade newcomers Mountain Elite All Star Cheer. Likewise, parade staple Watauga High School Marching Band will be on hand, and we will welcome the vanguard marching band from Ashe County High School as first time participants.
And of course, everyone should be on the lookout for some well-known mascots and characters including reindeer, elves, the Grinch, and of course the man in red himself, who will bring up the end of the parade. Santa Claus will be riding in on a vintage firetruck, sending season’s greetings to young and old.
Immediately after the parade, the Jones House will be serving hot chocolate and giving out holiday treats on the lawn. Parade goers are encouraged to hang out in downtown and shop local, as businesses will welcome those looking to get started on their holiday shopping lists and restaurants will be open for those hoping to enjoy a meal.
The Holiday Parade is presented by the Town of Boone. For more information, please visit www.joneshouse.org.
