Christmas Parade set for Dec. 4

The Philadelphia Christmas parade is set for Monday, Dec. 4, starting at 6 p.m.

The parade starts on Poplar Avenue, goes west on Main Street, takes a right onto Byrd Avenue at the Courthouse, then goes east on Beacon Street, then takes a left on Church Avenue, another left on Myrtle Street, then a right back onto Byrd Avenue and ends at Philadelphia High School, according to Tim Moore, executive director of Philadelphia Main Street.

This year’s Christmas Parade theme is “A Hometown Christmas” in connection with the Christmas Committee after their purchase of a majestic 26-foot tree for the tree lighting event. The festive theme will resonate throughout the Square, adorning shop windows in the holiday spirit, organizers say they envision.

“The parade has a little bit of everything for everybody,” Moore said. “Every year we have bands, the Junior ROTC, Choctaw Indian princesses, homecoming queens, and floats decorated in all different styles.”

“I think people should come to the parade because it’s an annual event,” he said. “I always relive my childhood days when I watch the Christmas parades. There’s always something magical about them.”

The deadline to submit an application to participate is Thursday, Nov. 30. To sign up, visit The Depot at 256 W. Beacon Street or call (601) 656-1000 for more information. The cost to participate is $20.

Other notable holiday events include:

• The Hometown Christmas Event on Friday, Dec. 1 starting at 5 p.m. The event will feature food trucks, kid activities including Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a live Nativity performance by the Neshoba Central Middle School chorus, and the Christmas tree lighting. 

• The Neshoba County Library is offering a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon, inviting families to enjoy free pictures with Santa.

• West Philadelphia Baptist Church is presenting a Christmas Cruise-In & Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a car/motorcycle ride, breakfast, and Christmas snacks. They encourage the community to bring a toy and bless a child by dropping off new toys at 256 Gum Street. Early toy drop-off boxes will be available at Deals.

For more information about the Philadelphia Christmas Parade and other events, call the Community Development Partnership at (601) 656-1000.