DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Lane and Evelyn Curlee will be leading the Tullahoma Christmas Parade down Jackson on the evening of Dec. 5, as they have been named this week as the grand marshals of the 69^th annual event.

“Each year we honor individuals whose leadership and community leadership have made a positive and lasting impact on our community,” said parade sponsor Trent McNabb of Stan McNabb Automotive in revealing the choice for grand marshal before a packed house at South Jackson Performing Arts Center during the monthly Chamber Coffee Tuesday. “This year’s grand marshals embody everything that makes Tullahoma a great place for us to call home. Servant leadership, kindness and a life-long dedication to making our community better. For over 30 years, they have devoted their time, energy and talents to helping Tullahoma grow and thrive. Their vision has always been rooted in making Tullahoma a place where people want to live, work, play and raise a family.”

McNabb then talked about Lane Curlee’s many years of leadership as city mayor and Evelyn’s tireless volunteerism.

“Their shared commitment and love for their hometown have helped shape Tullahoma into what it is today,” he concluded, revealing the Curlee’s as this year’s selection to be grand marshals. His announcement was met with a standing ovation as the Curlees came forward.

McNabb said he is looking forward to this year’s parade but pointed out there is much that goes on behind the scenes as the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce works with volunteers to get ready for the annual event.

“There’s a lot of planning to goes into it,” McNabb said. “And, they do a great job and spend a lot of time getting ready for it.”

This year’s theme will be “There’s Snow Place like Home”. Willa McKee from Robert E. Lee Elementary came up with the name. “It’s a great theme and we should be able to do a lot with it.”

McNabb noted that the Thursday before the parade, there will be a grand marshal reception at the South Jackson Performing Arts Center at 5:30 p.m. Following that will be the tree lighting.