Clarksville kicks off Christmas season with parade, tree lighting, and SpiritFest | PHOTOS
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville kicked off the holiday season Saturday with the annual Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting and SpiritFest. This year’s parade featured more than 80 entries, including floats, marching bands and more.
The community lined the streets to enjoy the parade floats and music. 5 Star Media Group radio personality Lee Erwin served as the parade emcee, while Kevin Kennedy led the parade as the grand marshal. This year’s parade theme was “Around the World.”
The 10th annual SpiritFest offered a live Nativity and art activities. First Presbyterian Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and the Downtown Commons hosted activities for everyone. Food trucks were on site, and guests also had the chance to take photos with Santa. The Montgomery County Christmas tree was lit buy County Mayor Pro Tem John Gannon at Downtown Commons.
“We started SpiritFest 10 years ago,” explained Kris Foust, coordinator of Spirit Fest and a member of First Presbyterian. “The idea was to open our sanctuary doors and parish halls to the public before the parade.” When SpiritFest began, downtown Clarksville looked very different. “Ten years ago, we didn’t have this park, and there weren’t as many restaurants downtown,” Foust said. “Kids were bored, and parents were frustrated, and we saw it as a great opportunity to extend hospitality.”
Spirit Fest has since grown into an large annual event that many look forward to. “We have artists, cookies, hot chocolate, Santa Claus, and a live Nativity with a real camel every year. Who doesn’t love a camel in downtown Clarksville?” Foust said.
DON’T MISS AN EVENT: Check out the Holiday Fun Guide or the Clarksville Events calendar.
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