DUANE SHERRILL Editor

Eugene London, Jr. has been named Grand Marshal of the 70^th annual Tullahoma Christmas Parade, sponsored by Stan McNabb Automotive. The announcement brought a standing ovation during the monthly Chamber Coffee held at South Jackson Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Oct. 27.

London was presented by event co-chair Trent McNabb. He reminded the audience that this year’s theme is Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights – giving the parade a patriotic theme during the celebration of American 250. This year’s winning theme, “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights,” was by Chezden Johnson, a fourth-grade student at Bel-Aire Elementary.

He noted there were many deserving nominees for grand marshal. McNabb teased the identity of the recipient. “He has served on the chamber board and was past president,” he began. “This person has been involved in the community, involved in Tullahoma for a long time, and whether it’s donate his time or money.”

McNabb added that he has even played the role of Santa Claus back in 2011, something he did going to the length of buying his own Santa suit.

“This year we’re excited to announce our grand marshal for the 70th annual Tullahoma Christmas parade … Eugene London.”

London then took the podium, admitting he was surprised by the honor. “I’m very, very humbled by the selection,” he said. “I just can’t thank Tullahoma enough for what we have done here from a community standpoint, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said during his acceptance address. “We may not agree on everything, but peanut butter and jelly had to meet sometime and get together.”

This year’s Christmas parade will take place on the first Friday in December, which will be Dec. 4. Before the parade takes place, the community will be invited to celebrate and honor the grand marshal of the parade at the Grand Marshal Reception at South Jackson Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Dec. 3.

For more about the Christmas Parade and how to register their float, they can visit the chamber’s website here.