THOMASVILLE- The Christmas season will kick off with the YMCA’s annual Christmas parade on Monday, December 2, 2024, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

Boasting more than 100 entrants, this year’s parade will be a can’t-miss for families and community members. 

According to Parade Director Katie Ketchum, 106 floats adorned with decorations for this year’s Christmas memories will line the streets of Downtown Thomasville. 

“I am so excited to see everyone’s floats,” she said. “I love the parade and it always kicks off the holiday season and gets the children excited.” 

While Ketchum has yet to see any of the floats, she said she has fielded numerous calls for height requirements, so expects many of the entries to be over the top, literally. 

“We know there will be odes to the Grinch and some Christmas classics,” Ketchum said. “South Georgia Ballet will be there representing their upcoming performance of The Nutcracker.” 

Ketchum isn’t the only one looking forward to seeing the creativity, a panel of judges will be marking their papers for the Overall Winner of this year’s parade. 

“We do awards for Best Overall and Christmas Spirit,” Ketchum said. “Christmas Spirit is our first runner up and then we also have first runners up in four categories, including non-profit/civic organization, business, school, and religious organization.” 

Along with the floats, three local high school bands will be marching alongside the parade route. 

“We alternate the bands each year,” Ketchum explained. “This year Thomas County Central will open the parade, while Thomasville High School will close us out.” 

Through the combined efforts of schools, businesses, and local organizations the parade is always a massive success. 

“It’s just a great opportunity for the community to come together,” Ketchum said. “You can definitely feel the Christmas spirit come alive and see the joy in kids’ eyes and the floats parade through downtown.” 

As the parade nears, the Thomasville Police Department will begin clearing the streets at 3 p.m., asking parked cars to move elsewhere, before the routes close for the duration of the parade. 

People can begin setting up their lawn chairs and blankets shortly after the streets close, enjoying one of the many downtown dining options while they wait. 

“We start at 6:30 sharp, and our last group goes through at 7:45,” Ketchum said. “We realize it’s dark and it’s a lot of groups to get through, but we hope everyone will join us for this fun time.”