Due to thunderstorms in the forecast, the Pike County Christmas Festival and Parade have been moved to Sunday, Dec. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Parade lineup is still set for 2 p.m. with the parade to begin at 3 p.m.
The annual Christmas celebration will include vendors, children’s entertainment, a visit from Santa and live musical performances.
“The Christmas Parade and Festival is important for Pike as a countywide gathering for us to declare who we are and enjoy the Christmas season together. Children can play and make memories of growing up in Pike County, a place we all want to come home to,” said Special Projects and Economic Development director Stephen Brentlinger.
“We are excited to get back to the parade after missing a year due to COVID-19! This parade will serve as a symbol of a return to normalcy and a chance for people to take their minds off the pandemic and all it has made us miss over the past two years.”
The Christmas Parade will start at 3 p.m. and travel north on Highway 19 from the high school to Barnesville Street, turn left at the square and then head back down Highway 19 to the school. Some floats in this year’s parade include the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Pike NAACP, local businesses and banks and beloved local sports teams.
Some examples of vendors include Creative Solutions from Concord, Bill Powers from Williamson and Moonrise Jewelry from Zebulon.
“It is so important to shop locally because we know that our funds are going to our friends and neighbors, people who need our support and to contribute to our community,” said Brentlinger.
“I am also struck by the immense amount of creativity and artistry found right here in Pike County! When we shop locally, we support our local culture.”
Santa will be in the parade and will also have a chair set up for pictures. He will be on the courthouse lawn and will have books and candy provided by L4GA to give out to encourage early literacy and learning. There will also be an inflatable bounce house, face painting and balloon twisting and a stage set up on the courthouse lawn for the musical performances.
The festival will end at 5 p.m. Sponsors for the event include McLeRoy, Inc., Southside Steel, First Bank of Pike, United Bank, K&K manufacturing and Johnson Battery.
“This is the last community event in the county before our bicentennial year begins! Pike turns 200 in 2022, so it’s time to start getting to know the county better than we ever have. There will be events all throughout next year, so let’s get an early start,” said Brentlinger.
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