The Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade Association has announced this year’s grand marshal, honorary marshal, and special guest. The parade is set for November 23 with the theme “Vintage Christmas.” The organization is also still accepting float registrations, with discounted pricing through midnight on October 31.
The grand marshal for the 2024 parade is Brian Smith, who spent most of his adult life in southern California with his wife Janice. They eventually moved to Owensboro, with Brian bringing a career of managing corporate high-rise buildings including tenants such as Sony Pictures and Nestle.
By 2005, the couple had fallen in love with Owensboro and purchased Diamond Lake Resort, transforming it into a popular camping destination.
For the parade, Smith will be riding in his own 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan, the same one he drove in the Great Race from Owensboro to New England last summer. Navigator Scott Howard will be riding alongside him again in the classic car.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been so honored to be named grand marshal for any parade,” Smith said. “The Christmas Parade is one of the largest events in the tri-state. I’m very humbled.”
The committee also named Girls Inc. as an honorary Grand Marshal. The nonprofit’s executive director, Tish Correa Osborne, said “The Christmas Parade is a highlight for so many of the girls we serve. They are as excited as our board.”
The parade association also chose a “Hometown Hero” to honor, selecting Jailer Art Maglinger, who was recently named the Kentucky Jailer of the Year.
The parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. on November 23 at the corner of 2nd and Pearl streets. There’s still time to register to be in the parade.
“We invite all businesses and nonprofits to be part of the fun this year,” said Parade Association board member Jane Head. “The small entry fees help us to offset our costs.”
Nonprofit entries are $50 and commercial entries $150 through midnight on October 31. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well, ranging from $250-$1,000. Entry and sponsorship information is available at ChristmasParade.net.
