Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade

Holiday traditions return to Downtown Concord with the 25th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Uwharrie Bank and Eli Lilly on Friday, November 18 from 6-8:30 p.m., and the TrueCare Pharmacy 94th Concord Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 19 beginning at 2:30 p.m.

These family-friendly events are free to the public and feature children’s activities, live music and dance, and fireworks.

25th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony,
Friday, November 18, 6-8:30 p.m.

Presented by Uwharrie Bank and Eli Lilly

The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place in Rotary Square, located at the corner of Union Street S and Corban Avenue SW.  There will be food trucks along Union Street and a kids’ zone featuring inflatables, a rock wall, balloon artist, kids’ train and more. There will also be coloring crafts and glitter tattoos for children and families in Rotary Square.

NEW! Visitors will enjoy an illuminated vehicle display as they make their way from Rotary Squae to Bicentennial Lot on Church Street to watch the fireworks.

Event Highlights:

6-8:00 p.m        Opening ceremony, visits with Santa and children’s activities

5:50 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.          Welcome by Mayor Bill Dusch and Wendell Rummage

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.          Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Rotary Square

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.          Children's activities and Food Trucks on Union Street

6-8:00 p.m.       Stage Performances

6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.          Performance by Irvin & Pitts School Rd. Elementary School Chorus

6:20 p.m. - 6:35 p.m.          Performance by Motion Dance Studio

6:40 p.m. - 6:55 p.m.          Performance by Dance Expressions

7:10 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.          Performance by Gabriel Bello

8:00 p.m.          Tree Lighting Ceremony

8:20 p.m.          Fireworks

Tree Lighting Road Closure Information:

Beginning at 12:00 P.M.

• No Parking on Union Street

Beginning at 1:00 P.M.

• Union Street closed between Cabarrus Avenue and Foard Avenue SW
• Corban Avenue SW closed between the County Parking Deck and Churhc Street
• Corban Avenue SE Closude At McCachern Blvd SE

Beginning at 2:00 P.M.

• Bicentenial Parking Lot closes, all vehicles moved by 3:00 P.M.

Beginning at 4:00 P.M.

• Means Avenue SE closed at Church Street
• Church Street closed between Means Avenue SE and Cabarrus Avenue E

Beginning at 7:45 P.M.

• McCachern Blvd closed at the intersection of Means Avenue SE and Cabarrus Avenue E

           

 

TrueCare Pharmacy 94th Concord Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m.

The annual Concord Christmas Parade is one of the oldest and continuously running Christmas parades in North Carolina. The TrueCare Pharmacy 94th Concord Christmas Parade route begins at the intersection of Church Street N and Lake Concord Road, and continues over two miles along Church Street, Buffalo Avenue, and Union Street, ending at the intersection of Union Street and Corban Avenue.

Parade Entries: The application period for parade entries has now closed. Community organizations, churches, schools, businesses, dance and cheer groups can view or download a copy of our Parade Guide for helpful information about staging areas, lineups, and more. 

Awards: Thanks to our generous sponsor, Subaru Concord, prizes will be awarded to the top three entries across four categories: band, church, civic organization, school.  The contest judges will be located on the main stage on Union Street near Kilarney Ave. 

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

• School Bands: 1st Place $1,000; 2nd Place $500; 3rd Place $250
• Church Floats: 1st Place $250; 2nd Place $150; 3rd Place $100
• Civic Organization: 1st Place $250; 2nd Place $150; 3rd Place $100
• School Representation: 1st Place $250; 2nd Place $150; 3rd Place $100

Road Closure Information: Roads along the parade route will be closed from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. However, Union Street between Kilarney Avenue NE and the Cabarrus County Library parking lot entrance between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Special Guests: Each year, Special Guests are chosen from the local community for their leadership and contributions to Concord. This year we are proud to welcome two Special Guests: Diane Honeycutt and Amos McClorey.

Diane Honeycutt, a Concord Native and prominent Real Estate Agent, has been closely involved with many non-profits and community organizations throughout the community, including serving as Cabarrus County Commissioner since 2014, Chair and 22 year-veteran of the NorthEast Foundation for Atrium Health Cabarrus, President of the Concord Rotary Club, Chair of the American Red Cross Board, Leader for Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build Home, Board Member of the Cabarrus County Economic Development Board, and Chairman of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber Board and Leadership Cabarrus Program. 

 

 

Amos McClorey is a graduate of Logan High School and served in the United States Marine Corps where he earned a Purple Heart. He has long been active in many community organizations throughout Cabarrus County, including the Logan Community Child Development Center, Logan Shankletown Schools Association, Academic Learning Center, Cabarrus Partnership for Young Children, Healthy Cabarrus, and the Concord United Committee. Through his lifelong service, McClorey improved the lives of thousands of his coworkers and the citizens of Cabarrus County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Scramble 5K: Returning this year is the annual Santa Scramble 5K road race.  The race follows the parade route and finishes at McGee Park. To accommodate the race, the parking lot at McGee Park will be closed on Saturday, November 19.  The park will remain open to the public; however, it will only be accessible by the Downtown Connector and McEachern Greenways.