Cedartown ‘reversing’ trend with Christmas parade

Displays and floats will be set up for a drive-thru style celebration on Dec. 5

Tis the season for holiday magic and a little bit of creative thinking for Cedartown officials.

With earlier city-sponsored special events put on hold this year due to COVID-19, officials were determined to think out of the gift box concerning the city’s annual Christmas parade and come up with a safe solution.

So the parade committee worked with the Cedartown Exchange Club and came up with a twist the classic holiday event by putting together Cedartown’s first-ever “reverse” Christmas parade.

The event, slated for Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m., will be set up at the Polk County Fairgrounds where floats and displays will be set up stationary and spaced apart. Then those wishing for a dose of seasonal merriment can simply drive-through the dedicated route and enjoy the spectacle from the safety of their vehicle.

The event will be free to the public.

Normally an annual event where thousands of residents and out-of-town guests gather along a one-mile long parade route in downtown Cedartown, city officials realized requiring and enforcing onlookers to physically distance themselves from others would be next to impossible in current times.

“The parade has always been a huge draw for residents. There’s no way to know what these next few weeks will bring as far as the number of local COVID-19 cases and continuing or new state-mandated guidelines,” said Cedartown City Manager Edward Guzman. “As a governing entity, we are required to follow these guidelines, and so the typical parade had to be modified.”

The fairgrounds, which are managed by the Cedartown Exchange Club, ensures plenty of space for displays and allowing vehicles a wide loop of roadway to take in the twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. Santa, of course, has been made aware of the changes and will be in attendance.

The theme for this year’s parade is “Let It Snow.” Churches, businesses, organizations and residents wishing to participate are asked to decorate according to the theme. Prize money up to $500 will be awarded in either the church division or open division, and an overall winner will be chosen to recieve $500 as well.

Traditional floats are welcome, in a stationary mode of course, as are displays and live nativities. Entrants must provide their own power if needed as electrical access will not be available at the fairgrounds.

For more information, including applications and rules, visit www.cedartowngeorgia. gov. The deadline to enter a group is Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. There is no entry fee.