UNICOI — The Town of Unicoi will host its annual Christmas Parade Saturday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m. just off exit 32 in Unicoi. The addition of a theme, “A Fairytale Christmas,” is just one of the fun surprises

for parade-goers this year.

“We want to get our entries familiar with decorating around a theme,” said Communications and Programs Director Ashley Shelton. “We’ve been discussing the possibility of adding a judging element to the parade in the future so we’re trying to gauge how much participation we might expect.”

The Unicoi Christmas Parade will begin at the Cherokee National Forest Office and continue down Unicoi Drive before turning onto Tennessee Street. From there, the parade will turn right onto Lincoln then left

onto Massachusetts before ending at the Unicoi Elementary School.

“I think residents will really enjoy the event this year,” said Unicoi Mayor Johnny Lynch. “The town’s float has a completely new look and we’ve even got some very popular characters coming for a visit.” Floats, characters, classic cars, horses and more will parade down the streets while candy is distributed to the long line of community members. And in true tradition, Santa Clause will herald in the season atop the Town of Unicoi Float at the end of the parade.

Civic, church and school groups, as well as businesses, pageant winners and elected officials are invited to enter the parade to showcase their talents and community spirit. The Unicoi Volunteer Fire Department, Unicoi History Group, Unaka Mountain Search and Rescue, Shriners, and the Unicoi High School Marching Band are just a few of the groups that have already submitted their application and there is still plenty of time to register.

Applications are available at the Tourist Information Center (106 Unicoi Village Place) and Town Hall (3600 Unicoi Drive) or can be downloaded or submitted online. Visit UnicoiTN,net/events to register. The application deadline is November 25 and no entries will be accepted after that date.

Numerous businesses line the parade route and the event happens to coincide with the national “Shop Small Saturday” initiative, so attendees are encouraged to hang around afterward and shop the local Unicoi businesses. Many stores will have sales and discounts in celebration of the “Shop Small” campaign and any business wanting to add to the growing list may email communicationsandprograms@unicoitn.net.

For more information regarding the Unicoi Christmas Parade, contact Patricia Bennett at (423) 735-0517 or email recreationaide@unicoitn.net.