KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

As the 69^th annual Tullahoma Christmas Parade, sponsored by Stan McNabb Automotive, is set for Dec. 5, parade officials share what residents can expect for the parade this year.

For starters, the Tullahoma stable event will take place on Friday, Dec. 5, starting at 7 p.m. at the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) and will end at the Tullahoma High School. Those looking to be a part of the parade are encouraged to visit the chamber’s website to fill out the registration form. There will be a $50 registration fee, while government agencies, emergency services and the marching bands are complimentary.

However, those who want to be a part of the parade should act fast, as this year the parade will be limited to 120 entries. According to Parade Committee member Trent McNabb, while last year’s parade set the record for most entries with 143 floats, the committee noticed how long it took and wanted to be mindful of the children this year.

“So, the committee decided to cap it at 120 this year,” McNabb said.

If there is availability left, the last day to submit the float entry registration form is Dec. 1.

Another aspect of the parade that is returning this year is the Siren Free Zone. According to TACC Executive Director Hope Nunley, the chamber received a lot of positive feedback about the siren free zone last year when it was first implemented. Like last year, the Siren Free Zone will be at the last third of the route, from Walgreens at North Jackson Street to Tullahoma High School.

Nunley said that they are seeking volunteers to help get involved with the parade.

“Safety is a top priority for this event and we encourage anyone seeking volunteer hours or just wants to be involved to contact us about those volunteer opportunities,” Nunley said.

Speaking of safety, both McNabb and Nunley also discussed the parade’s candy clause, where people are asked to give out candy by walking up to attendees rather than throwing candy from floats and vehicles to avoid children getting into the road.

“If you start throwing candy and it’s on the ground, kids or other people run out in the road and it’s a safety concern,” McNabb said. “It’s always a good reminder to tell people to stay out of the roads.”

This year’s parade theme is “There’s Snow Place Like Home.” It was submitted by Robert E. Lee Elementary student Willa McKee 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.

“We thought was a great play on words,” McNabb said.

As for who will be leading this year’s Christmas parade, this year’s grand marshals will be Lane and Evelyn Curlee, which was announced at the October Chamber Coffee event.

“Lane and Evelyn Curlee are our Grand Marshals this, which they are obviously well deserving, well-known pillars of the community,” McNabb said. “They give a lot back to the community.”

This year’s Grand Marshal Reception will take place on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at South Jackson Performing Arts Center, as well as the lighting of the Christmas Tree.