KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

With the 68^th annual Tullahoma Christmas Parade, sponsored by Stan McNabb Automotive, just over a month away, parade officials have unveiled some changes and additions to the parade this year.

Trent McNabb, who serves on the Christmas Parade committee, said one of the big changes this year is the parade will go back to its previous route, and lining up will start at the chamber of commerce to South Jackson Performing Arts Center, and end at Tullahoma High School.

“From a safety and logistics perspective, it works better this way,” McNabb said.

He noted from starting on South Jackson Street, they are able to close the road up to Carroll Street, so there are no cars coming through, while last year they were only able to close after of Jackson Street, which saw people including McNabb and his family, walking as cars going 40 mph go by. As for logistics, it is easier for chamber members to get to the chamber office versus going up and down Jackson Street.

Another addition to the parade will be on Santa’s float as lifelong Tullahoma native Jerry Holden will be joining St. Nicholas to wave to the crowds. TACC Executive Director Hope Nunley said when the chamber made the call for nominations for grand marshal they received an overwhelming response for Holden on account he spends his days waving to passersby on West Lincoln Street each day.

“He’s such a friendly waving, and Santa extended a very special invitation to Mr. Holden to join him on the Santa float, and he will be bringing his granddaughter,” she said, “he will be waving to the community just as he has been known for doing.”

The last change to the Christmas parade is a silent section for anyone who has sensitivities to noises. According to Nunley, the silent section will be set up from Walgreens, located at 700 N. Jackson St., to Tullahoma High School. She said Tullahoma Police Chief Chase Sons made the recommendation to the chamber after the Christmas Parade last year when the chamber was asking for feedback from community partners.

“Two thirds will operate normally and the last third will be the silence section,” Nunley said.

Nunley also encouraged everyone to stay safe during the parade by staying off the roads as the floats come by. As for those in the parade, she said there is a candy clause where people are asked to give out candy by walking up to attendees rather than throwing candy to avoid children getting into the road.

Those who want to join in on the Christmas cheer can now register to secure their place in the lineup, with the final day to register is Monday, Dec. 2. Those wanting to register can visit tullahoma.org or call the chamber office at 931-455-5497 if anyone has questions about how to register.

This year’s parade theme is “Planes, Trains and Candy Canes.” It was submitted by Robert E. Lee Elementary student Kyle Obersteadt who won the district-wide theme competition. For submitting the winning theme, Robert E. Lee Elementary will also receive a free float entry into the parade.

The 68th annual Tullahoma Christmas Parade will take to the streets of downtown Tullahoma Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. The chamber will hold the 2024 Grand Marshal Reception on Thursday, Dec. 5, at South Jackson Performing Arts Center as well as the annual lighting of the Tullahoma Christmas Tree.