Lots to look forward to for 79th annual Salisbury Jaycees Christmas Parade

SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury Jaycees Christmas Parde is fast approaching.

Setting Up For Year 79

This year, there are new surprises in store. That’s in addition to the festivities that keep families coming back year after year.

“We’re really known for the Christmas parade. So, we like to get everybody out there … Just show up and have fun! It’s Holly Jolly Hoedown this year. So, we’re expecting to see a lot of cowboy boots and hats and dancing on the route,” said Parade Chairwoman Emily Goebel.

This year is number 79 for the parade. It’s a beloved tradition that the city has celebrated on the first Sunday of December for decades.

“Bring your own chair, bring snacks and water … any [cowboy attire] you can think of. We want to see the crowd be a participants as much as we do the people who are out actually marching in the parade,” said Chris Ford, President of the Salisbury Jaycees.

Parade Details

The free parade is sponsored by Mountaire Farms. It will stretch down Mt. Hermon Road, starting on Civic Avenue and ending on Ward Street. The fun kicks off at 1 p.m. on December 7th. While there really is no bad spot along the route to catch the Christmas fun, Goebel had this recommendation:

“Everybody loves to be down by the City Park and the fountains, bcause that’s where the judges and the announcements are. So, if you want to hear everybody’s announcements, I’d try to get down there early,” Goebel said.

This year, nearly 100 marchers and floats are expected in the lineup. Goebel and Ford teased marching bands, car and horse clubs, and pageant queens. And of course, the Big Guy in Red at the end. The event is completely powered by sponors and volunteers.

Community members can join the Salisbury Jaycees as long as they are between the ages of 18 and 40. But Ford said the Jaycees can use all the help they can get—especially when it comes to volunteers.

“We are the next generation just keeping that legacy alive—79 years of people who have volunteered their time or their efforts, their block, sweat and tears, to put on an amazing Christmas parade for the community of Salisbury,” Ford said.

Surprises in Store for Year 80

While the Jaycees are planning a big bang for year 79, Ford said they are already planning ahead for next year’s big milestone.

“Next year, big surprises—just big everything. We have to go all out. 80 years is a big milestone to hit for a community Christmas parade,” Ford said.

For more information about the Salisbury Jaycees, click here.