Local businesses, organizations, and groups are invited to help celebrate “Christmas Around the World” in the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Elizabethton.

Applications are now available to participate in the parade, which is hosted each year by the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.

The theme for this year’s parade will be “Christmas Around the World,” according to Chamber Director Tonya Stevens. The Chamber Board selected Milligan College to serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade.

“They are such a wonderful organization for our community,” Stevens said. “They bring a variety of students from around the world into our community.”

In addition to the educational programs at Milligan, the college also serves the community by helping to cultivate and prepare the next generation of student leaders, Stevens said.

Milligan College will be represented in the parade by their mascot Brutus the Buffalo, members of the cheer and dance team, and a group of international students, Stevens said. Milligan College President Dr. Bill Greer had a scheduling conflict which will prevent him from participating in the parade, according to Stevens.

This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. in downtown Elizabethton. The parade will begin at the intersection of East Elk Avenue and Lynn Avenue near Big John’s Closeouts. From there the parade will proceed along East Elk Avenue to the Veterans Monument in front of the Carter County Courthouse.

The cost to participate is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for those who are not members of the Chamber. Those interested in participating in the parade can pick up an application, which includes a list of rules, in person at the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce or online through the Chamber’s website www.elizabethtonchamber.com.

One rule the Chamber’s Executive Committee is implementing for this year’s parade is that no political campaigning will be allowed in the parade.

“Because there are so many different offices and so many people running for election, we felt it was in the best interest of the Christmas parade to not allow any campaigning so the focus can be on Christmas,” Stevens said. “We appreciate all of those offices and everyone who is running for election.”

“Of course, sitting officials are always welcome in the parade, but they cannot have any campaign materials on their vehicle or float and they cannot pass out any campaign materials to attendees.”

For more information on the parade, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 423-547-3850.