By Kathy Chaffin
kchaffin@salisburypost.com
CLEVELAND ó This town’s 38th annual Christmas parade will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday ó rain, sleet, snow or sunshine.
Liz Steele, who chairs the Christmas Parade Committee for the Cleveland Lions Club, which sponsors the event, said the children who hold umbrellas to catch candy may just need another one to stay dry.
“There is no rain date,” she said. “In case of bad weather, the strong of heart will continue. Join us if you can.”
So far, the parade has 65 entries, four more than last year. It will start at the former West Rowan YMCA building at Krider Street and Old U.S. 70 and travel west toward U.S. 70 and Freightliner, ending on School Street.
The parade usually lasts from an hour to an hour and a half, Steele said.
An annual event since 1972, she said the Cleveland Christmas Parade has always showcased local folks and activities. The reviewing stand for judges will be held in front of Leo’s Barber Shop in front of the main post office on North Depot Street.
Entries will be judged in the following categories: regular, religious, antique (autos, trucks and tractors), commercial, king/queen, humorous and horse.
Steele said winners are invited to an awards dinner, where they are presented plaques.
“Our parade still allows horses obviously because we have that category,” she said, “and we do allow candy to be thrown … A lot of people really look forward to it because not only do they get a chance to see the parade, but families can gather on their lawns and have a good time.”
Attendance averages between 2,000 and 3,000 people. “It’s great to see such a huge amount of people come out to such a little town,” Steele said.
Congestion has been a problem at previous parades, she said, “however, we will do everything we can do to ensure a safe and fun afternoon. To meet this goal, we need full cooperation from all entrants and participants.”
Contact Kathy Chaffin at 704-797-4249.