The Whitesville Lions Club will present its annual Christmas Parade at 10 a.m. on December 10. The tradition dates back to the early ’70s and features many floats, vehicles, bands, and more.
Whitesville Mayor Patsy Mayfield said the parade has brought the community together for over 50 years.
“It means a lot to the city of Whitesville; it brings our community together,” Mayfield said. “Everyone supports the parade and all of the events we have. We’re blessed with a great community.”
Outgoing Daviess County Judge-Executive Al Mattingly will serve as the parade’s grand marshal, while there will also be an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sandy Fitzgerald has long served as the event’s organizer and said the Lions Club is adamant about being an integral part of the community.
“We’ve organized the parade for a while now,” Fitzgerald said. “We also host fish fries, car and tractor shows, and contribute to various community events and causes.”
The club regularly raises money for the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, assists with Eagle Scout projects, and builds ramps for individuals in the community. They recently provided funding to create an agriculture program and Trinity High School, equipped with a new greenhouse.
On December 2, a few days before the parade, the City of Whitesville will host its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and feature performances from St. Mary of the Woods School and Whitesville Elementary School, as well as complimentary hot chocolate.
With more than 20 floats, the parade begins at Whitesville Lumber on KY 764 and goes to the Senior Citizens Center on KY 54.
“We see this as an integral part of what we do,” Fitzgerald said. “Everyone loves the Christmas parade. It’s a lot of work for our members, stopping traffic and maintaining a safe environment, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
