KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Tullahoma City Schools’ elementary students got a surprise visitor last Friday when Father Christmas pulled up to the schools.

Santa Claus’ visit to the students wasn’t just check on them to see if everyone has been naughty or nice, rather it was a collaboration with the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce to announce this year’s theme contest for the upcoming 69^th annual Tullahoma Christmas Parade. As part of his visit, Stan McNabb Automotive, who are sponsoring this year’s parade, provided Santa with a red Chevy Corvette, while the Tullahoma Police Department provided

Since 2020, the chamber of commerce has gone to the elementary schools in the school districts and asked students to submit a theme. The committee would then choose the theme where the winning school will receive a free float entry into the parade. The past winners and themes have included last year’s winner Robert E. Lee Elementary School with “Planes, Trains and Candy Canes,” Jack T. Farrar Elementary School with the themes of “Winter Wonderland” in 2023 and “A Classic Christmas” in 2022 and East Middle School with “A Cartoon Christmas” in 2021.

“Not only is it exciting for these students to see Santa for a mid-year check in, but they get to have a key role in the largest community event of the year,” chamber officials said.

The winning theme and school will be revealed later this year.

More information regarding about the 69^th annual Tullahoma Christmas Parade, ranging from the grand marshal to float registrations, are to be announced later in the year. The Tullahoma News will have any future updates and announcements about the Tullahoma Christmas Parade in future issues and here on the website.