Jonesboro, Arkansas – The 79th Annual Jonesboro Christmas Parade will bring its holiday celebration to downtown Jonesboro on December 4, with a new nonprofit structure intended to support community organizations alongside the longstanding tradition.
The parade will begin at 7 p.m. under the theme “A Night Before Christmas.” Participants will start at the Main Street bridge, travel south along Main Street and finish at Oak Avenue.
Organizers announced the parade’s nonprofit status in a Friday news release. The change gives this year’s event an additional charitable focus, with winners in each parade category selecting a nonprofit organization to receive proceeds.
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“This exciting new chapter allows us to make an even greater impact in our community by putting sponsorships, donations and funds raised through the parade toward a greater purpose,” organizers said in a social media post. “Our goal is simple: Bring our community together, celebrate the magic of Christmas and give back to the organizations that make Jonesboro special.”
Registration is available for several types of entries, including floats, walking units, vehicles and auto/ATV clubs. The entry fee is $55 per unit, and the deadline to register is November 27.
According to the parade’s website, each unit must be registered separately. A company planning to enter both a float and a walking group, for example, must complete two applications and pay two entry fees, bringing its total registration cost to $110. Registration fees are nonrefundable.
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Organizers are also accepting financial support through donations and sponsorships. Donors can choose between one-time contributions and monthly giving, providing different ways to support the continuation of the annual celebration.
Contributions can be made through the parade’s online donation page. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those interested in supporting the event.
Sponsors listed for this year include First Horizon Bank, Darner, Yellow Gorilla Marketing Agency, Soncom Media and the Jonesboro Tourism & Visitors Bureau.
With the registration deadline approaching a week before the parade, prospective participants can review the entry requirements and determine how many units they plan to submit. The December 4 event will combine the downtown Christmas celebration with the organization’s new effort to direct proceeds toward nonprofits selected by category winners.
