The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announces that entries are now being accepted for the 2023 Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights. This year’s parade is scheduled for Thursday, December 7. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.   Late applications are not accepted.

The online application is available at www.accgov.com/parade ; The parade application fee is $40.  

Annually, more than 60 entries compete for such prizes as “Most Original Float,” “Best Use of Theme, “ and “Best Use of Lights”  and the best overall float receiving the “Mayor’s Award.” This year’s theme is “An Art Filled Holiday.”  The Parade Marshal is local iconic artist Harold Rittenberry, Jr. known for his metal sculptures installed around Athens.

The parade begins on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street ending in front of City Hall for the traditional Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

The Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority.  

Parade information and application forms can be found at www.accgov.com/parade

www.accgov.com/parade or by contacting Leisure Services at 706-613-3800 or [email protected]