The North Pole is coming to downtown Covington Saturday, Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. for the city’s annual Christmas parade.
Sponsored by the Covington Lions Club and Main Street Covington, the organizers are inviting all schools, churches, marching bands, sports teams, businesses, civic groups, neighborhood groups and individuals to join in the fun.
The theme, "A Southern Christmas in Covington," offers a wide range of float decoration ideas, so those interested in having a float should think "Southern."
The Covington Lions are proud to announce that artist Linda Pflug with the Southeastern Arts Guild on the square will do a painting of a Christmas Lion, which will be the focal point of the stage decoration. Please be sure to stop by to see her painting. The Arts Guild sells unique Christmas gifts by local artists such as paintings, jewelry, stained glass, pottery, etc. Also, the Lions are proud to announce that The Berry Tree Farm will furnish some Christmas trees to decorate the stage. These trees can be purchased for $25 after the parade.
There will be people marching, riding or dancing in the parade. The Teacher of the Year will be our "Grand Marshall" and will be recognized at the stage during the Parade. The Best All-Around Trophy to the float showing the holiday spirit, creativity and construction will be awarded at the stage upon arrival at the Newton County Historical Courthouse—what an exciting time for the winner! There will also be awards given for 1st and 2nd place in School Categories (High School, Middle School, Elementary School and Preschools/Daycares) and Other Categories, such as Churches, Civic Groups, Boys and Girl Scouts, Corporation and Businesses, Family and golf carts; and lastly, Horse Awards (Best Tack, Rider Dress and Best Group). Deadline for judging entries is 9:30 AM on Newton Drive. All entries must be decorated in the spirit of the Parade. The fairground is available for float prep at 6:30 AM. We ask that all participants follow the directions of any Lion to maintain order and safety!
The application is on the Lions website www.covingtongalions.org, bottom left under "Christmas Parade". All entries must be received or postmarked by November 20th. Mayfield Hardware at the Kroger Shopping Center and the Visitor’s Center will also have applications. For more information, email covparade12@yahoo.com or call Main Street Covington at 770-385-2077.
The Lions Club and Main Street will refuse any offensive act, music or language in the Parade. There will be only ONE Santa in the Parade and he is the guest of Main Street Covington, the City of Covington and the Covington Lions Club. The application has additional pertinent information.
Lineup is on Newton Drive (enter ONLY from Mill Street). Parade moves on Newton Drive (W) to Anderson Street to Floyd Street (W), (W) on Floyd Street to Covington Square, around the Square, (right) on Church Street, (L) on Conyers Street, (L) on Mill Street to the Fairgrounds.
There is no fee to enter the parade. However, if your group is raising funds during the parade, please consider making a donation to the Covington Lions Club on the day of the parade (there will be Lions at the stage). Any donations would be gratefully accepted for Lions’ expense.
