The towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill are excited to announce the return of the Community Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m. The parade will highlight a variety of arts, cultural, and winter holiday traditions. Local organizations aligned with this focus are invited to apply to participate.
Due to COVID restrictions, the parade has been on hiatus for two years. In planning for the parade’s return, Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture, along with planning partners at Carrboro Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Resources, and the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, discussed how the event could better reflect the community and its values.
Susan Brown, Director of Community Arts & Culture, says they all agreed that “This event could and should better showcase the many different cultural and holiday traditions in our community, as well as our commitment to environmental stewardship.” Representatives from UNC Arts Everywhere and UNC Community Relations are also assisting with planning and encouraging campus groups and performers to participate.
To create a more inclusive and diverse event, participation will be curated by parade planners through an open call for creative and festive parade units. Local organizations and community groups who will entertain, engage, and reflect the winter holiday theme and diverse cultural traditions are invited to apply. Any units that are strictly for advertising or fundraising will not be considered. Parade planners will also invite community and campus performance groups, like marching bands, drum corps, and choruses to participate.
The call for participants will close on Sunday, Oct. 16. Applications will be reviewed and selected based on criteria and the goal of creating an interesting and inclusive event. Participation will be confirmed by early November.
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