The route of Salem’s annual Christmas parade will change this year after many requests from the public.
The parade, with the theme of an Old Fashion Christmas, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. and will start at the corner of Homer and North Main streets and travel down Main Street, around the square and disperse on East Market Street.
2017 Christmas Parade entry form
Santa will make the full lap around the square and then visit with youngsters at his house set up behind Fox Purlee’s business. Santa’s reindeer will be available for photos at Cheddar Depot from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Washington County Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director Tara Kritzer says this is the route the parade used to take years ago and does not know why it was ever changed.
There will be four trophies awarded this year: Best Overall Float, Best Business Float, Best Civic Float and Best Walking entry.
There will be no lighting on the courthouse this year, but the city will be putting up lights around the square.
Homeowners along Main Street are asked to decorate their homes for “Light Up Main Street.”
Several businesses have volunteered to decorate home for anyone who is willing to sponsor to take care of the decorations. Residents are asked to leave their homes decorated from Dec. 2 until Jan. 2. Homes will be decorated
Salem and West Washington school corporations have groups who are going to decorate a home in school colors.
Anyone who would like more information or to sponsor a house or to have your house sponsored, can call Kevin Stewart at (812) 620- 2710.
