November 28, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
The first of three DeKalb County Christmas Parades over the next few weeks will be Sunday, December 1.
The annual Liberty Christmas Parade gets underway at 2 p.m. with the line-up at 1 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church. No pre-registration is needed. Anyone wanting to participate may just show up for the line-up at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be available and prizes will be given away after the parade.
(View video of the 2018 Liberty Christmas Parade below)
The Smithville Christmas Parade will have a new start time on Saturday, December 7 at 4 p.m. To enter just show up at Smithville Elementary School at 3 p.m. Entries will enter from Walker Drive to the Smithville Elementary School property. Horses for the parade are to be brought to the Bill Page Ballpark. Antique cars will line up near Food Lion on Bryant Street. No 4 wheelers or motorcycles will be permitted in the parade but side by sides will be allowed with a licensed driver. For more information call Smithville Fire Chief Charlie Parker at 615-597-4141.
The Alexandria Parade will be Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m. with the line-up at 1 p.m. on West Main Street. To enter contact the Alexandria City Hall to fill out an entry form. Call 615-529-2171 for more information.
Immediately after the Smithville Parade on Saturday, December 7 Christmas on the Square will begin around 5 PM. Some of the activities are as follows:
*Courthouse Open House – Stop by to visit the elected county officials and enjoy free refreshments and a festive atmosphere.
*Smithville City Hall – Lots of indoor and outdoor Christmas lights & decorations to see as you enjoy cupcakes, cookies, and hot chocolate with city officials and staff and lots of little elves.
*Christmas Shopping
“Live” Windows in Downtown Businesses/Offices – Many of the downtown windows will have “live” scenes in their windows from 5 to 6 PM. You may vote for your favorite. Take a picture and post your favorite on the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber Facebook Page. The LIVE display window with the “Most Likes” will get points added to the judges’ tally sheet. Chamber Director Suzanne Williams and Smithville Mayor Josh Miller will be presenting 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places along with a “Chamber Choice” award for the “Live Window” contest. Mayor Miller is personally donating $250 to the top winning store’s favorite charity.
*A FREE Photo Booth & Christmas DJ Music – Enjoy your favorite holiday music throughout the night plus have a fun, complimentary picture made at the Cosmo Creations Photo Booth located inside the Courthouse & sponsored by the City of Smithville!
*Justin-Potter Library – Beginning at 6:15 PM, Santa will be there to hear your child’s wish list and pose for a picture, so be sure to bring your camera. Children will also be able to make a Christmas ornament!
*Smithville Electric – The lights will be shining bright at Evins Park’s Open-Air Stage decorated by Smithville Electric employees.
*DeKalb Animal Shelter Pet Photos with Santa – Beginning at 5 PM for a $10 donation, you can have your pet’s photo made with Santa. The location is 301 N. Public Square at Gayla Hendrix’s office.