Plans are set for Hopkinsville’s Christmas parade on Dec. 12. The theme is “A Snowman’s Winter Wonderland,” and the grand marshal will be Jeff Hurd, general manager of Hopkinsville Electric System & EnergyNet.
The parade will begin at 5:15 p.m. — following its traditional route on Main Street from Glass Avenue to 14th Street — with illuminated floats, marching bands, community groups and businesses.
“We are privileged and honored to have Mr. Hurd serve as our grand marshal for the 2026 HES/EnergyNet Night Christmas Parade,” Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Toby Hudson said in a press release.
Hurd has been general manager for the local utility since 2017 and has 36 years of experience in his industry. He’s a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He is past chairman of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce.
HES has sponsored the Christmas parade since city officials switched to a nighttime schedule 10 years ago as part of an effort to refresh the parade and renew community interest in the holiday event.
Recreation officials are encouraging participation with floats, vehicles, bands, golf carts, businesses, churches, schools and community groups.
The entry fee is $20 plus the donation of a new toy. Entry forms are available at the Thomas Street Recreation Center. Additional information is available from Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation at 270-887-4290 and on the agency’s website.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
