‘LoveLee’ Parades

'LOVELee'

PARADES

Story By Hannah Lester Photos By Robert Noles

Things are returning to normal — at least in some ways. Last year, Christmas parades looked a little different thanks to COVID-19.

But this year, Opelika and Auburn are going back to more normal events.

Auburn:

Auburn’s parade will take place Sunday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. in downtown Auburn.

Expect to see some familiar faces in the parade — the Auburn High School Marching Band, cheerleaders, boy scout and girl scout troops and dance teams. But there should also be some new participants, said Jessica Kohn, downtown coordinator for the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association.

The parade will take about 30 minutes for people to watch, she said, if they want to see each group.

Kohn touted the new parking decks in downtown Auburn as an asset to the parade. Residents will find parking in the new Wright Street Parking Deck and AuburnBank’s new parking deck.

In terms of watching the parade, pick any spot along the route, she said.

“There is not a bad spot on the parade route,” Kohn said. “I try to tell everybody that. I feel like people love to gather around Samford or Toomer’s Corner but you might find that you enjoy the parade more if you’re not squished up next to everybody else and you can spread out and a spot on Gay Street is just as great.”

The Christmas parade is the longest parade the city puts on each year. However, it will only accommodate 60 vehicles or groups, she said.

“It’s something that I think everybody looks forward to every year,” Kohn said. “I know I used to attend it as just a spectator and it’s so fun and especially seeing it through a child’s eyes is even more fun. It just really gets you in the holiday spirit. It’s also just a great way for you to come downtown and you can support your merchants as well.”

For some additional fun, Santa On The Corner will be held the day before the parade, on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Auburn. This provides parents with the opportunity for their child to visit Santa, share their wish lists and snap a photo.

“We will have him back this year,” Kohn said. “As of right now, we’re just going to have Santa on Saturday.”

However, Santa may return on Sunday before the parade, but this has yet to be decided.

“Santa On The Corner benefits United Way,” Kohn said. “Photos with Santa are free but donations to United Way are accepted and appreciated.”

For more information, visit: www.downtownauburnonline. com.

Opelika:

Opelika’s parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m., which means that realistically Lee County residents can attend both cities’ parades.

Opelika chooses a theme for each Christmas parade and for 2021 that theme is St. Nick’s on the Tracks, said Opelika Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ali Rauch.

Floats/vehicles/walking groups are asked to decorate according to the theme, she said.

“We are going back to the traditional parade format,” Rauch said. “Parade participants will enter their vehicle/float/walking group into the parade and we will conduct the standard route through downtown.

“People who come to watch the parade will be welcome to grab their favorite spot and enjoy the show. Last year, we made exceptions and adjustments to account for COVID-19 and are excited to go back to pre-pandemic style parade.”

There have been all kinds of guests at the Opelika Christmas Parade in the past, from Santa, to Christmas’ meanest participant — the Grinch.

“Christmas is the most magical time of the year, especially in Opelika,” Rauch said. “Let us bring joy back to you this season and participate in Sno*pelika and the Christmas parade … Christmas in Opelika is unlike anywhere else. We have so many different events for lovers of this season throughout the entire month, and it truly brings joy and fulfillment to those who want to enjoy Christmas to the fullest.”

With the holiday season quickly approaching The Fatherhood Initiative better known as Dad’s League looks to continue a long-lasting tradition of giving. Serving Dad’s throughout the region, the initiative has developed a focal point of what giving should be. “Giving is developing and sustaining responsible fathers in the community. ” - states Churmell Mitchell (Fatherhood Coordinator).

Mitchell looks to bring a “Warriors” mentality to fathers who are coming into the program. With a goal to encourage a thriving culture of loving fathers who engage their families toward being positive contributors to the community as the vision of the program. Earlier last month the fatherhood initiative brought aboard new hire Jason Flowers. Flowers a hard worker and determined dad himself looks to add even more excitement to the thriving Dad’s League Team. With several years' experience in the Mental Health field Flowers will be called upon early to add to the team's growing knowledge on how to better serve Father’s in the community.

Pictured Left to Right Jason Flowers and Churmell Mitchell both Fatherhood speaking engagement Child Care Resource A LIVE LEE CHRISTMASCenter (Dad’s League)