Chapel Hill, Carrboro Announce Holiday Parade's Return, New Vision

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect the extended deadline for parade participants’ applications.

For the last two winters, the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro canceled their traditional holiday parade from either COVID-19 or leadership changes. During that time, however, organizers have come up with a new vision for the annual procession along Franklin and Main Streets.

In a release on Wednesday, Chapel Hill and Carrboro said the 2022 Community Holiday Parade will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 10:30 a.m. and will feature a new “focus” on community and diversity. Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture is now taking lead on the event, with the Carrboro Recreation Parks, and Cultural Resources department, and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership working as planning partners. The trio of entities reportedly wanted to explore ways the event could “better reflect the community and its values.”

“This event could and should better showcase the many different cultural and holiday traditions in our community, as well as our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Susan Brown, the director of Community Arts & Culture.

As a result, Chapel Hill and Carrboro are putting out an open call for creative, festive and inclusive ideas for parade units with a “winter holiday theme.” The organizations will curate the parade participants to include groups who plan to reflect the theme while entertaining onlookers. That may also include performers from across the community, like marching bands and choruses, in addition to local clubs, organizations and more groups who traditionally participate in the local parade.

Wednesday’s release also said parade planners will have an emphasis on restricting parade units solely for advertising, fundraising or political campaigning.

Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger and Town Council member Jess Anderson ride past the Peace and Justice Plaza on East Franklin Street during the 2019 Holiday Parade. (Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.)

The towns announced last November the annual parade would not be held as it transitioned from organizers. The Raleigh Jaycees, a community service organization for young professionals, ran the event for many years, but told the towns they no longer had interest. The decision led town departments to earn control of the parade, but not in enough time to hold the event in 2021. The 2020 parade was canceled due to COVID-19 guidance in place by the local governments and state.

Community members who are interested joining the Chapel Hill and Carrboro 2022 Holiday Parade are encouraged to apply through the Community Arts & Culture website. The application form will close on Sunday, October 16 before parade participants are notified by November 1 by organizers and required to pay a $50 participation fee.

To read the full Town of Chapel Hill release about the holiday parade, click here.

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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Chapel Hill, Carrboro Announce Holiday Parade’s Return, New Vision

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