Tree lighting, parade set for Dec. 7-8

Christmas cheer will spread through downtown Trussville Dec. 7-8 with the annual tree lighting ceremony and Christmas parade. 

In a change from past years, the city’s Christmas festivities will begin on Friday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. with the community caroling and tree lighting ceremony on the West Mall, including vendor booths and other activities for families. The tree lighting will begin at 6:30 p.m.   

The annual Christmas parade will be Saturday, Dec. 8, beginning at 3 p.m. on Parkway Drive. It will continue on Gadsden Highway before turning right on Chalkville Mountain Road.

“There’s just something about a parade that brings families out to watch. I love to see the kids’ expressions as they watch the parade go by,” said Diane Poole, executive director of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Hewitt-Trussville Husky Band will march the parade route, along with the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School dance team and the Boy Scouts will carry the flag. This year’s parade will scale back on its walking entries to help shorten the length ofthe parade. 

Registration for floats is open through Wednesday, Dec. 5, at a cost of $25. If entries come in before 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, the early bird discount is $20. The floats will be judged in the annual float competition. Parade applications can be found online by visiting the Christmas parade event page on trussvillechamber.com.

Amerex Corporation is the presenting sponsor for this year’s events, with A+ Tire & Auto Repair serving as grand marshal sponsor, Trussville Gas & Water will sponsor the snow and Brik Realty will sponsor the float competition. Bryant Bank is the stage sponsor for the lighting ceremony, while Trinity Contractors, HESCO Automotive, Amari and Gray Law Firm, St. Vincent’s East, GR Manufacturing, Stewart Facility Services LLC are all silver sponsors.