EVANSVILLE — The coronavirus pandemic appeared to have spelled the end for Evansville's only Christmas parade, but no more.
After a five-year hiatus, organizers say Mr. and Mrs. Claus − and a parade of festive floats − will return to North Main Street this November.
The Jacobsville Area Community Corporation announced plans for the Christmas parade's return this week, writing in a news release that the once-annual November event "promises to be a spectacular celebration for all ages."
"Join us as we bring the magic of Christmas back to the community with Evansville's Christmas on North Main Parade," the community corporation proclaimed.
The parade will feature decorated floats, bands and performers, candy − and of course − Mr. and Mrs. Claus, according to Ted O'Connell, the community corporation's executive director. In previous years, officials estimated that the parade drew a crowd of about 10,000 spectators and participants.
Parade to be held Nov. 24; planners seek sponsors, volunteers and entrants
"Santa's Workshop," which will feature crafts, treats and games, will kick the day's festivities off at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, at Hope City Church, located at 1001 North Main Street, a news release states.
At 2:30 p.m., a parade of floats and adjoining performers will begin to make their way up North Main Street from its southern intersection with Division Street to Garvin Park, according to O'Connell. The parade is scheduled to end at about 5 p.m.
The Jacobsville Area Community Corporation on Tuesday put out a call seeking volunteers, sponsors and float entries, saying that interested parties - particularly schools, businesses and local organizations - should send an e-mail to EvansvilleChristmasParade@gmail.com
"We are calling on community members and businesses to get involved," the corporation's news release states. "We are actively seeking volunteers to help with various aspects of the parade, as well as sponsors to support this beloved community tradition."
The parade's return comes after the event's planning committee voted to cancel the event in 2020, citing safety concerns over the then-rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus.
"There would be no way to impose social distancing, so it would be a very risky situation to have that large of a crowd gather," Gail Knight Williams, the parade's director in 2020, said at the time.
After the pandemic-induced pause, the Jacobsville Area Community Corporation says that this year, the Christmas on North Main Parade will spread "joy and holiday magic throughout Evansville."
Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com
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