Dr. Alissa Young, president of Hopkinsville Community College, will be the grand marshal of the city’s nighttime Christmas parade on Dec. 14.
The theme this year, “What Christmas Teaches Us,” ties in with Young’s career. She began her career at HCC 28 years ago and was named president in 2017.
“We all can remember lessons Christmas taught us about the importance of demonstrating our love by giving. It is also a great time to reflect on the blessings of family and friends,” Young said in a news release from Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation, which organizes the parade.
Civic groups, churches, businesses and individuals may enter floats in the parade.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the HES-Energy Net Hopkinsville Christmas Parade grand champion float and runner-Up, the Christian County Chamber of Commerce Best Business and the WHVO/WKDZ People’s Choice Award.
There’s a new division this year for golf carts. Sponsored by Western Hills Golf Course, it will offer cash prizes for first place ($150), second place ($100) and third place ($50).
The entry fee for parade floats and golf carts is $20, plus an unwrapped Christmas toy.
“The HES Christmas Parade is quickly becoming a significant holiday tradition in Hopkinsville, and we appreciate the support from the HES team and all who put units in the parade to make this a nighttime visual treat,” Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tab Brockman said.
Entry forms are available online or by contacting Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation at 270-887-4290.
The parade will fall in the midst of the second annual Skatin’ on the Square, set for Dec. 12 to 15, in Founders Square.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. She spent 30 years as a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition.
