A Peek Behind The Scenes

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: December 2023

The Olde Mountain Christmas Parade is a much-anticipated event in Highlands, and this year’s parade is Saturday, December 2 and begins at the end of Main Street near the Hudson Library and will proceed for a few blocks, ending near Reeve’s Ace Hardware.

But just what goes into the 40-year tradition is something The Laurel asked Kaye McHan, the executive director of Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands.

Q: For how long do you have to plan?

A: Planning begins right after each year’s parade with the marketing and program committee evaluation meeting. We are always looking for ways to improve. The bands must be booked nearly a year in advance. A follow-up meeting is also held with the Highlands Police Department. Then, all the marketing and advertising is developed, produced, and distributed. And, like Santa, the event details are on a list and are checked at least twice.

Q: How many volunteers are involved? 

A: All the participants are volunteering their time to build floats and participate in the parade. Last year, we had close to 70 entries (there are multiple adults and children with each entry), and it grows every year! Plus, at least 30 volunteers are needed in the parade staging area.

Q: Estimated attendees? 

A: 5,000-plus.

Q: Importance of offering it?

A: The parade has a long-standing tradition in Highlands. And traditions are especially important during the holidays. Traditions hold a deep-seated place in our hearts, bring meaning to our celebrations, and help us bond with friends, families, and our community.

Q: Are there certain people that are highly involved every year in helping that should be recognized? 

A: Highlands Police Department, Steve Mehder, Highlands Rotary Club, Mountaintop Rotary Club, Tate Landscaping, and Tay Bronaugh. And nothing would happen without the Chamber staff.

Q: Details that the public should know so they can plan their day accordingly. 

A: Check the weather for appropriate attire, arrive early, and plan to walk from your parking spot to Main Street. Relax and enjoy meeting your neighbors, before and after the parade.

Additionally, for families who missed Santa during the November Light Up the Park, he will make an appearance every Saturday in December at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. He will also make periodic visits to collect letters placed in a designated mailbox within the park.

Finally, the Lighting of the Menorah takes place December 7, at 5:30 P.M. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish winter festival of lights, celebrated to mark the triumph of light over darkness. Thus, one candle of the giant menorah will be lit on the first night of Hanukkah and an additional candle each successive night. This will be done until the eighth night when the Menorah is fully illuminated.