KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The shoe does fit as long-time Tullahoma resident Annie Osborne was named to take the reins as grand marshal for the 67^th annual Tullahoma Christmas Parade.

The announcement of the decision was made at the October chamber coffee, held Tuesday, Oct. 24, at South Jackson Performing Arts Center, who co-sponsored the event alongside by Woodard’s Diamonds & Design.

In a packed house at the performing arts center, Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Hope Nunley, alongside South Jackson Chairman and Christmas Parade committee member Greg Gressel and two representatives of the title sponsor of the 67^th Tullahoma Christmas Parade Stan McNabb, made the announcement of who will serve as this year’s grand marshal.

Gressel said the process to select a grand marshal for the Christmas Parade is long and has a lot of people who contribute in narrowing down a selection, noting of the many “wonderful things that were said and done” of each submitted nominee.

“It was quite a process but we were excited to be a part of it,” Gressel said.

Gressel then shared a few statements that were said about this year’s grand marshal, which described the nominee as a “long-time resident of Tullahoma who really epitomizes what Tullahoma is all about.” Other statements included describing the nominee as an icon and legend of Tullahoma and “one of the kindest, smartest people I know, has done so much for Tullahoma and lights up the room when she is a part of it.”

Gressel said attendees would understand who the selected grand marshal would be as he shared one last comment saying the nominee was someone who “truly loves Tullahoma and all the special qualities has to offer.”

Gressel then announced that Osborne would be this year’s grand marshal, noting that she just celebrated her 90^th birthday and they would be celebrating her from now through the holiday season. The announcement was met with applause.

Gressel invited Osborne to speak a few words and she said was couldn’t believe she was picked to be the grand marshal and was excited about it.

“As you know, I’m the oldest person and thing at Clayton’s except for the building,” Osborne said which was met with laughter. “It’s 125.”

Osborne then received another surprise has her son, daughter, in-laws and grandchildren made an appearance, which left her without words. Gressel came up and said she not only touched thousands of people emotionally, but she did physically too by touching their ears and toes, which was met with laughter from attendees.

“She’s touched thousands of people’s lives so we are excited to have you as our grand marshal,” he said.

Osborne then shared her love for not only her family but to Clayton’s Shoe Store owner Florence Hull, her parents and the Clayton’s Shoe Store staff. Osborne said when she was sick with cancer for six months, she never missed a payday as that was the kind of person Hull was.

“She has been so good to me, my family has been so good to me,” Osborne said.

Osborne then received another surprise that Clayton’s Shoe Store was closed so all the staff could be there for the announcement.

“My goodness, what a treat,” she said “What a treat to be thought so well of. I love Tullahoma and I’ve been here since ’52.”

She finished by thanking everyone in attendance, her family and to Hull.

Trent McNabb, who wasn’t able to attend the announcement, said he was thrilled to have Osborne as this year’s grand marshal.

“Miss Annie always has and continues to be a fixture in Tullahoma,” he said. “We are thrilled to get to recognize her as the Grand Marshall of the Tullahoma Christmas Parade.”

This year’s parade theme is “A Winter Wonderland.” It was submitted by Jack T. Farrar Elementary School student Laney Warren, after a district-wide theme competition. For submitting the winning theme, Jack T. Farrar Elementary will also receive a free float entry into the parade.

The 67^th annual Tullahoma Christmas Parade, sponsored by Stan McNabb Automotive, will take to the streets of downtown Tullahoma Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. The chamber will hold the 2023 Grand Marshal Reception on Thursday, Nov. 30, at South Jackson Performing Arts Center as well as the annual lighting of the City of Tullahoma Christmas Tree.

Registration for entering the Christmas parade is now open. The entry fee is $50 and free for school bands and military and government vehicles. For more information on how to enter this year’s parade, visit the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce’s website at Tullahoma.org or fill out the registration form at tullahoma.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/8564.

Photos courtesy of Tisha Fritz, Assistant Executive Director of the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce.