When the East Ridge Christmas Parade was cancelled for the first time in parade history due to the threat of severe weather on Nov. 18, a couple of business owners decided there would be a parade. Robert Padgett and Brian Scott have teamed up with the city of East Ridge to help hold a Christmas parade on Friday at 7 p.m. The parade will start in the Camp Jordan RV Park and wind east toward the amphitheater, where it will end with an, “East Ridge Christmas Celebration.”
East Ridge Parks and Recreation Director, Stump Martin said, “Robert and Brian have put a lot of time and effort into this project. The city had conflicts moving forward on a make-up date for a parade and these two have done their parts to make this happen.”
Parade entry, admission to the party, along with the bonfire and inflatables are all free. Camp Jordan Park’s Fun-time Foods will have concessions that will surely include hot cocoa.
The parade line-up starts at 5 p.m. Camp Jordan Parkway will be closed from the Chickamauga Creek Bridge east to Camp Jordan Road at the back gate of the park from the start of the parade at 7 p.m. until it ends.
Santa and Ms. Claus are scheduled to appear on a float in the parade and at the celebration with candy and smiles for the kids.
Three parade floats will receive awards Friday night from the judges of the parade.
Headlining the celebration at the amphitheater will be Music Row's three-time Independent Artist of the Year, Cody McCarver. The Dunlap native spent 12 years in the multi-platinum country music band Confederate Railroad. His 'outlaw' approach to his recordings and stage show boosted an acting career in the movie 'Cole Younger and the Black Train.’
Joining McCarver will be other area recording artists for the 60-minute Christmas-themed concert.
“Bring your blankets and chairs and join in the Christmas Spirit,” Mr. Martin said. “The park will be lit up following the parade and the playground and inflatables will be open to the kids.”
For more information call 463-4391 or email smartin@eastridgetn.gov