Kiwanis/Martin Christmas Parade is Dec. 5

"Christmas Joy" is the theme for the 2022 Kiwanis and City of Martin Christmas Parade, which will light up Martin at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 5. Parade organizers encourage anyone entering the parade to consider the various aspects of joy that the Christmas season brings—from music to memories to religious services to Christmas trees, Santa, reindeer, and more. This season is indeed "the most wonderful time of the year."

Blue lights and the sirens of police cars will once again signal the beginning of the parade that returned in full festivity in 2021 after being cancelled in 2020 due to safety precautions related to COVID-19.

Parade planners anticipate that the lead police cars will be followed by approximately 60 or more entries, including bands, floats, individual vehicles, trucks, firetrucks, beauty queens, horses, and, of course, Santa, who has promised to be in this parade.

The parade will organize at the UT Martin parking lot near Hardy Graham Football Stadium. Lineup begins at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot with judging to begin at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at exactly 7 p.m. and proceed east on University Street, turn left on Lindell Street, and continue through downtown Martin.

Prizes will be awarded as follows in each of two major categories: non-commercial and commercial —first place ($100), second place ($75), and third place ($50. A prize will also be given this year for the best decorated vehicle.

Entries will be judged on the following categories: demonstration of parade theme, originality, workmanship, overall appearance, creativity and use of color, use of lights and/or animation, best demonstration of Christmas spirit, most beautiful, participation and enthusiasm of entry workers, and overall attractiveness.

Entry forms are available on the Kiwanis website and Facebook page, at Martin Public Library, City Hall, or through EventBrite (2022martinkiwanisclubchristmasparade). If you have any questions, please call (731)-587-4607 or email csmit279@utm.edu or slemond@utm.edu.

Entries forms and the $5.00 entry fee can be mailed to Christmas Parade, c/o Martin Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 583, Martin, TN 38237. Checks should be made payable to Martin Kiwanis Club. Completed forms, checks for the $5.00 entry fee, and the signed waiver form can also be left at Martin Public Library.