Theme for 43rd annual Christmas parade announced

Published 7:40 pm Friday, September 13, 2019

Roy Nichols, a long-time community leader who most recently served as Interim Superintendent for the Troup County School System, will serve as the grand marshal for the 43rd Annual LaGrange Christmas Parade on Dec. 5, 2019, in downtown LaGrange.  

The theme for this year’s Christmas Parade, “Children’s Christmas Stories,” was inspired by Nichols’ love of children, his accomplishments in his roles in public education and the leadership he has provided through decades of community service.  

“Dr. Nichols provided the ultimate act of community service when he came out of retirement to lead the Troup County School System during the board’s search for a new superintendent,” said Kirk Hancock, chairman of the Troup County School Board, in a press release. 

“Dr. Nichols was uniquely qualified and his leadership provided a calm, steady hand in what could have been a period of great uncertainty. We owe him and his wife Fran a debt of gratitude for his service and for that we are thankful.” 

The parade festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Lafayette Plaza. Nichols will join Mayor Jim Thornton to light the city’s Christmas tree. 

The parade will follow at 6 p.m., beginning at Granger Park and go through downtown LaGrange along Church Street. It will continue down Bull Street to Broome Street and return up Main Street past Lafayette Square on its way back to the starting point.

This annual holiday tradition, presented by the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, features floats, marching bands and a special guest appearance from Santa Claus. 

Applications will be on the lagrangechamber.com website Oct. 1, according Interim Chamber President Kathy Tilley. Applications to apply will be due Nov. 22 with a $40 application fee.

There are no requirements for the floats except that they must be decorated and follow the theme, according to Tilley.