Parading in Townsend

The 2009 Townsend Christmas Parade lengthened and reversed the route taken along East Lamar Alexander Parkway but drew the same enthusiastic response from participants and residents as in previous years.

The theme for the Dec. 6 event also paid homage to those who have defended the nation’s freedom in past and current conflicts. “A Patriotic Christmas - Celebrating our Gift of Freedom” was the parade theme. The parade marshals were veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Planners altered the route by beginning the line up in the field next to the Visitor Center on East Lamar Alexander Parkway. The parade proceeded south on East Lamar Alexander Parkway and ended at the Nawger Nob Craft Settlement, which was the reverse of how the parade flowed in previous years when it started at Nawger Nob..

Planners said the change made lining up easier.

The parade continues to draw residents from Townsend and the surrounding areas to the sidewalks along East Lamar Alexander Parkway.

David Wietlisbach and Mary Newman coordinated the event. A program of Christmas music was presented at the Nawger Nob site following the parade and refreshments were served to the guests.