YOUNGSVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — The longest-running Christmas Parade in North Carolina took place in Youngsville Saturday, according to town officials.
The Franklin County town is also celebrating its sesquicentennial.
Organizers say their “Ole Time Christmas” celebration just gets bigger and better with time, despite an unwelcome early visit this year from Old Man Winter, which cancelled Friday’s tree lighting ceremony.
“Today is about the longest-running Christmas parade in the state in North Carolina,” said Youngsville Assistant Town Manager William. “And we’re gathered here to have a good time.”
Saturday morning’s slight chill couldn’t keep away the warm smiles of an estimated 1,500 paradegoers.
“We’re excited,” paradegoers Eric and Michelle Lee said. “We’re thrilled to be here.”
Organizers say some 300 people, among nearly 60 parade entries of floats and cool cars and more, took the half-mile route through the heart of downtown Youngsville as cheerleaders pumped up the crowd.
The Franklinton High School band performed. There were also horses and dogs and Santa, oh my.
“Our son is on the Franklin County cannon ballers baseball team. They’re going to be flowing through there in a few minutes,” Eric and Michelle Lee added. “So we’re here to see him, but also Santa and firetrucks and bands and all the other stuff.”
All decked out for the holidays, the streets of Youngsville glowed during the parade.
And Younsville Mayor Fonzie Flowers, himself, suited up like a well-dressed reindeer to help spread Christmas cheer.
“It is an amazing thing! Even though the weather is not the greatest in the world, is never going to dampen our spirits here in Youngsville, in North Carolina,” Flowers said. “We’ve got the longest-running Christmas parade in the state, and it’s just a beautiful day to be here, be around a bunch of folks celebrating the Holiday Season. And we love it!”
The holiday and birthday celebrations march on with 150 years and counting.
The Town of Youngsville, originally known as Pacific, was incorporated on March 17, 1875. It was named for John “Jack” Young after he gave land for a depot.
Youngsville’s year-long sesquicentennial celebrations continue through March 2026.