Kannapolis continues tradition of nighttime parade; this year’s was one of largest
Published 12:05 am Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Spectators watchh as tirefighters start the parade with the presenting of colors. — Karen Kistler
Mayberry Sheriff’s car makes an appearance in the parade. — Karen Kistler
Members of the Northwest Cabarrus High School band play for the crowd as they march past. — Karen Kistler
One of the many Slingshot vehicles all decorated with colored lights made its way down the parade route — Karen Kistler
Grinch strolls down the street in the parade. — Karen Kistler
Santa Claus waved to the crowd as he brought the parade to a close. — Karen Kistler
Mulitple horses carrying a rider were featured in this year’s Kannapolis parade. — Karen Kistler
The drum section for the North Hills Christian School Band make their way along the parade route. — Karen Kistler
Snoopy and his friends ride atop this Jeep, which was one of many Jeep entries in the parade. — Karen Kistler
As the cord on the hot air balloon burner is pulled on this Re.Max entry, the fire lights up the sky. — Karen Kistler
A tractor, one of several in the parade, is all decorated and pulled a wagon behind. — Karen Kistler
The crowd watches as this complete kidz float goes by. — Karen Kistler
KANNAPOLIS — Crowds filled the sidewalks and along the streets to watch the annual Kannapolis Christmas Parade, which has a long history with its start dating back to 1938 and has been held at night for many of those years.
While temperatures were cold, it didn’t hinder people from coming out to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, many wrapped in blankets and having hot chocolate as they waited for the start of the parade.
Several food trucks were on hand providing opportunities for attendees to enjoy some food during the evening as well.
Held Dec. 14, the parade, sponsored by the city of Kannapolis, started at 6 p.m. at the intersection of Laureate Way and Main Street and traveled down Laureate Way past Kannapolis City Hall and Police Headquarters, turning on West Avenue at the Gem Theatre and traveling down West Avenue, ending at the intersection with Vance Street.
It is a great route providing lots of areas where people can spread out and watch the event, said Annette Privette Keller, director of communications for Kannapolis.
An estimated 7,000-8,000 people attended this year’s Christmas parade.
“I am grateful we have such community spirit,” Keller said, noting that people come out and enjoy the events that Kannapolis has to offer.
This year’s parade, she said, was the largest from the standpoint of entries as there were 135 featured in the parade.
Entries included first responder vehicles, dance groups, multiple Grinches, a lineup of Jeeps, tractors, three-wheeled vehicles, floats by various groups and horses.
A number of marching bands from area schools participated and provided Christmas music as they made their way along the parade route.
Special guests of the parade included City Attorney Wally Safrit and City Clerk Bridgette Bell, who are retiring from their positions after serving more than 30 years with Kannapolis.
Santa Claus brought the parade to a close as he made an appearance in his sleigh pulled by his reindeer.
Cash awards were presented in the categories of bands, churches, civic organizations and schools.
Parade float winners were first place, Bethpage Presbyterian Church; second place, ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus; and third place, Carolina Deliverance.
In the School Pride category, first place went to A.L. Brown High School JV and varsity cheerleaders; second place, Kannapolis City Schools Transportation; and third place, A.L. Brown High School’s women’s basketball.
Band winners were first place, A.L. Brown High School band; second place, Lake Norman Charter Knight Watch; third place, Koontz Elementary Marching Band.
Civic group winners were first place, Oasis Buccaneers; second place, UNC Nutrition Research Institute; and third place, Boogerwoods Haunted Attraction.
