FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The 26th annual Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade returns to downtown this Saturday, bringing large crowds, a boost to local businesses, and a wave of holiday spirit to Hay Street.
Can't make it to the parade in person? ABC11 is streaming the parade live starting at 10 a.m. or wherever you stream ABC11.
Business owners say they rely on the parade each year to kick off the season, and after a challenging year marked by the government shutdown, many hope this weekend's turnout will bring renewed energy and new customers.
At Reverie Goods and Gifts, owner Megan Reed is preparing her shop for one of the busiest days of the year.
"This is our elf's most current hiding location," she said, showing one of the store's holiday displays.
Reed said the parade is an important driver for small businesses. "We have a lot of Christmas gifts that are specific to Fayetteville. Fayetteville ornaments, Fayetteville shirts," she said.
The parade, hosted by the Fayetteville Rotary Club, draws several thousand people downtown annually. Reed says the event is essential for local shops. "Events like this in our community are truly a lifeline. It's at least a 25% to 30% jump because it's where people are coming downtown for all of our fun events, and it's truly like more of the spirit of the holiday season coming down for all the different things happening downtown."
More than 100 parade entries are slated for this year, including nine marching bands and the traditional Santa Claus. Organizers expect downtown streets to be packed.
Brandon Price, chair of the Fayetteville Rotary Club, described the parade as one of the city's signature events. "It's like one of the Hallmark events for our community, and it always brings everyone out, and everyone's always in the Christmas spirit," he said.
Parade Route
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Person Street, and officials say security will be tight. "It'll be very tightly secured. We do a bomb sweep, uh, at six in the morning. And so at that point, there will be no more vehicles in or out of the perimeter of downtown so get here early plan to get here early because it will certainly be packed," Price said.
Back at her shop, Reed is adding final touches and staying optimistic about a strong turnout despite recent obstacles. "Through the ups and downs from COVID to the shutdown to any other thing. Events like this one give us exposure that, as a small business, we don't normally have," she said.
The parade isn't the only holiday event drawing excitement this year. For the first time, the city will host the Great Elf Gathering at Segra Stadium, an attempt to break the world record for the most people dressed as Santa's elves. The current record, held by Thailand, stands at 1,762 participants.
All you need is an elf hat, red or green clothing, and optional elf ears, all count. No full costume needed. Local downtown shops will be selling ears and hats.
Can't make it to the parade in person? ABC11 will be streaming the parade live starting at 10 a.m. wherever you stream ABC11.
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