Annual parades bring holiday cheer to the Plateau
Both Cashiers and Highlands hosted their annual Christmas parades on Saturday, Dec. 6, drawing locals and tourists to the streets for live music, holiday floats and, of course, a peek at Santa. The Highlands Christmas Parade began at 10 a.m. and the 51st Cashiers Christmas Parade, themed the “Gingerbread Man’s Mountain March”, followed at 3 p.m.
The Highlands Christmas Parade, which has been running for 40 years, featured over 60 entries. From marching bands to camels, this year’s parade showcased a variety of holiday-themed participants, impressing audiences with their originality and creativity.
“I would say that Bryson Enterprises did a fantastic job with their float this year,” said Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Johanna Fein. “It was huge, and it was gorgeous, and it was very well done. Several other businesses really brought it this year as well.”
Fein said the parade was a success and preparations for next year’s edition are already underway.
“I thought it was great. Everybody was happy to be out, and we had decent weather,” said Fein. “We’ve had parades where there was snow or rain, and everyone still comes out, but it sure makes everyone a little bit happier when the weather’s a little bit nicer.”
The 51st Cashiers Christmas Parade kicked off in front of an estimated 500 people and exhibited over 65 entries. The likes of law enforcement, local businesses and organizations, award winners, and church groups showcased eye-catching entries.
Cashiers Area Chamber Board President Ashton Harris highlighted the importance of the event to the Chamber’s relationship with local businesses.
“I think it’s a very important event,” said Harris. “Obviously, the Chamber supports this event and helps coordinate it. And so this is a way of giving back.”
Not only was the event meaningful for local businesses, but also for families, especially those with younger children.
The Miz family, visiting from Clemson, South Carolina, attended their first Cashiers Christmas Parade over the weekend. Kelsey Miz said the family decided to attend after years of going to Clemson’s Christmas parade.
“We’re super excited about it. We love tradition,” said Miz. “We always come up and get our Christmas tree, so to be able to have the memories of the Christmas parade here is exciting to us.”
Jessica Newman and her daughter, Sarah, who attends Blue Ridge School, make it a point to go to the parade every year. Sarah helped design the gingerbread bus float.
“The parade allows people to get together and promote local businesses,” said Jessica Newman.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce will next host the “Lighting of the Menorah” on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to focus on their “12 Days of Christmas Music Series”.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com