Like many communities in the area, Tipp City holds an annual Christmas tree lighting festival, which is always well-attended. This year’s event will have a more festive feeling, thanks to the addition of a Christmas Parade that will precede the lighting of the community tree.

The idea of adding a parade came from Tasha Weaver, Executive Director of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership. “Having a parade caught people’s interest,” she said in a recent interview. “We had a great response to the idea, and people are excited that we’re having a parade. This is the first year we’ve done it. We didn’t know what to expect but we’ve had some really great entries come in. It was important for us to add a parade, and I’m really looking forward to what it’s going to be.”

In addition to the parade down Main Street, the pre-lighting festivities will include a community Sing-Along with Chris Rowland, holiday movie trivia, an award ceremony for the best parade entries, and a special holiday story from Ms. Julie. This will all be hosted by guest MC Mr. Gingerich. There will be community organizations handing out treats and prizes for the kids. Another new feature this year is inviting community members to join the parade in a walk-along capacity. Festive attire is not required, but not discouraged either.  

“We’re still collecting entries, but we already have over 20 so far,” Weaver said. “Unfortunately, we don’t have any marching bands this year, but a lot of local companies are participating, along with golf carts decorated with Christmas lights, and tractors. I’m not sure what the tractors are going to do. I’m told that Mr. Gingerich and the parade Grand Marshall will be doing something pretty cool when they light the tree, but they won’t tell us what it is.”

If you have a holiday parade, tradition dictates that you must have a Grand Marshall. The choice for the inaugural parade is Tipp City community activist and advocate Luke Zerkle. He has served the community in a variety of roles, including being a Social Studies teacher at Tippecanoe High School, an Intervention Specialist Aide, and stints as a basketball and track coach for the Tipp City Schools. He is also the founder/owner of Snow Show.  

“Luke was the chair of the tree lighting ceremony last year,” Weaver said. “When I was introduced to him, he was introduced as Mr. Christmas, and he is definitely that. He loves all things Christmas. Along with his other community contributions, he’s active with Goon Brothers, a nonprofit here in Tipp City. He was the overwhelming choice to be our first Grand Marshall.”

The fun begins on November 23 at 5:00 p.m., with the parade moving down Main Street, then the parade entrants will head back downtown. The pre-lighting show is scheduled to start at 6:00. Weaver revealed that there were only three people on the planning committee. They began work on this event as soon as last year’s lighting was a wrap and were basically planning events all year long.  

“Last year was the first year we did a lawn show for the kids prior to the tree lighting,” she said. “Having a parade caught people’s interest. We had a great response, and people are excited that we’re doing it. Last year, everyone loved our tree lighting because it’s something you can bring the whole family to for free. It’s very magical, very Christmas, and puts you in the small-town Christmas spirit. When we were growing up and taking kids to holiday displays, there was a lot of ‘Oh, no, don’t touch that,’ but our activities are kid-friendly and interactive. They’re getting to make all these great Christmas memories with their families.”

For more information, visit the Downtown Tipp City Partnership’s website, www.downtowntippcity.org. You can also visit their Facebook page.