The City of Newnan’s annual Christmas parade will be held Saturday, December 13th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The parade begins at Lagrange Street to North Court Square and turns right and make another onto East Court Square and go south to Greenville Street to the Coweta County Justice Center. It’s “Christmas Around the World!” The parade will include floats, walking groups, decorated cars and trucks, and marching bands.

The high school bands will enter the parade at Powell Street. The restrooms will be open to the public at Historic Courthouse.

Grand Marshals this year are David and Rosalyn Boyd. They are longtime members of the community. Mr. Boyd is a world-renowned illustrator and artist R. David Boyd; Sr. will retire at the end of this month.

Boyd is widely known for his political cartoons and as an illustrator of Jeff Foxworthy’s “You Might Be…” series, among others. He began his career over 40 years ago at the Newnan Times-Herald.

Boyd earned a political science degree from The Citadel, but it wasn't until 1968 when he decided to combine education and hobby – becoming a professional cartoonist when he found an outlet for his renderings at the Newnan Times-Herald.

“We are looking forward to the parade this year as we enjoy the downtown lights in Newnan. It’s always an anticipated activity for the city. Christmas is a very special time, and it is fun to help spread the Christmas cheer. To the delight of all the kids, Santa Claus is coming to town!” said Gina Snider, city of Newnan, public information officer.

Every year there is a float contest that goes along with the parade. This year each winner of the following categories will receive a monetary prize. The following categories are:

• Large Business

• Small Business

• School

• Church

• Civic/Non-Profit

People’s Choice – This category is an after the parade award specifically designed to drive more people to the City’s social media page. The float with the most unrepeated ‘likes’/comments on the City’s Facebook page wins. To be eligible for this award your float must have won in one of the five categories listed above on the night of the parade.

Free public parking is available along downtown streets, and in the City of Newnan’s Public Parking Lots located at 13 Lagrange Street, 25 Lagrange Street, 22 Spring Street, 6 First Avenue, 50 East Broad Street, 65 East Broad Street, 41 East Washington Street, and 22 East Broad Street.