The iconic giant stuffed bear and Santa chair that used to sit in the former Towne Square Mall now belong to the Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade Association. The group already has plans for the items to be used in this year’s parade, set for November 18 with the theme “The Gift of Christmas.” The association is also encouraging float registrations.
When Gulfstream Commerical Services announced they were holding a liquidation sale last week, the Parade Association immediately reached out about the bear and chair. Gulfstream donated both, along with a few other Christmas decor items, to the Association.
“We’re so thrilled because it’s a bit of Owensboro history that we get to bring into the parade,” said board member Heather Blackburn. “It’s really a blessing. I see those things being something we will use for many years to come.”
While the City of Owensboro helps with some aspects of the parade, the event is actually put on by the Parade Association, which is a nonprofit. The Association has a board and utilizes volunteers to host the parade.
“We couldn’t do this parade without the cooperation and help of a lot of people,” Blackburn said. “So we’re really hoping to get a good turnout of floats this year. We can always use volunteers. It’s a big job and there are a lot of moving parts to it.”
Blackburn didn’t know exactly how many floats have registered but said they were “getting a pretty steady stream of applications.”
From now through October 31, applicants can take advantage of an Early Bird rate with an entry fee of $50 for nonprofits and $150 for commercial groups. The last day to submit applications is November 7.
For more information on the application process, click here.
Blackburn said they also have room for vendors to come in, whether it’s food trucks, hot chocolate, souvenirs, or other interested parties.
Blackburn said the Association is excited for the parade and hopes the community is too.
“It’s such an important event,” she said. “You always want to make sure that it’s done right and that people are enjoying themselves.”
