Searcy, Ar. (LP) – Every year in December, Searcy hosts the annual Christmas parade.  It’s usually on the first Saturday of the month but this year, it was pushed back a few weeks.  It was supposed to be on December 7th but has been pushed back to December 16th.  The reason for that is because of the Arkansas 6A State Championship.  The Searcy Lions went to the State Championship so the parade was pushed back. It doesn’t have an affect on anything that should happen.

The annual parade is always a big attraction in Searcy. A lot of people show up to watch floats and the SHS band.  The Christmas parade happens at night unlike the fair parade; it’s so the lights can be shown off.  Arguably, it’s the biggest event in Searcy besides the fair. “A few thousand people showed up last year, and the numbers keep growing,” said a parade worker that didn’t want their name released. The event description reads “Celebrate the Season at the Searcy Holiday Lights Christmas Parade!”  The parade will start at 6 PM and go to around 8 PM.  The parade begins at Spring Park, goes around the town square, and onto to race street before it ends at Berryhill Park. The band will spilt off from the parade at the Subway infant of Harding University.

This year’s parade does have some requirements and some changes.  No Santas are allowed except for the City of Searcy official Santa.  All participants are required to have Christmas lights and be playing Christmas music. Something that is different is that anyone can join the parade.

“Some entries that are known right now are the band, of course, and some business like Chillz.” said the parade worker. They just have to lineup, meet these requirements, and then they are ready to go.  “We don’t really know how many people are going to be in the parade. Lots of people could participate, but we don’t know until the day comes,” said Missy Mikell, one of the entries for the parade.  She is planning on being in the parade with Gym Stars.  Missy participated a few years back and “decided to do it again because it was really fun!”

The parade starts December 16th at 6 PM with lineup starting at 4 PM.  It should last until 8 PM and it will end at Berryhill Park.  It’ll be a fun time for everyone and it is a great event for Searcy to have!