MOUNT VERNON – For the first time since the pandemic forced its cancellation in 2020, the annual holiday parade will once again headline Main Street Mount Vernon's downtown holiday extravaganza on Saturday, Nov. 27.
Featuring a gingerbread forest, special sales and a lighting ceremony along with the parade, the Saturday event will bring together sponsors, retailers and shoppers to the official opening day of the city’s Christmas shopping season.
Sponsored by Knox Community Hospital, the gingerbread forest is a first for the festival and will feature gingerbread folk and houses as part of Habitat for Humanity of Knox County Playhouse Project.
Underwritten by local businesses – and painted by local artists – the gingerbread people and houses will begin their display on Nov. 27 as part of the Shop Small Celebration sponsored by Ariel Corp.
"Santa and Mrs. Claus have sent a letter to Main Street Mount Vernon letting us know they plan to be in attendance for the annual holiday parade and the Square lighting ceremony," Anthony McNeal, downtown manager of MSMV, wrote in a press release.
• The Shop Small Saturday Celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. with a stocking stuffer sidewalk sale. Shopkeepers will display their products on the sidewalks in the central business district.
• From 2-3:30 p.m., Main Street is arranging for carols to be sung from the Main Stage on Public Square in front of PNC Bank. Special presentations will recognize sponsors and Habitat for Humanity for their partnership in the Gingerbread Playhouse Project and the gingerbread forest.
• At 3:30 p.m., the annual holiday parade (sponsored by Park National Bank) will make its return for the first time in two years. The parade route will start at the intersection of North Main and Sugar streets. Parade participants can register or check in at 2:30 p.m. in the Living Center parking lot at 201 North Main St.
• At 5:30 p.m., the Square lighting ceremony will be sponsored by the Mount Vernon News.
After being displayed through Christmas, the gingerbread houses will be donated to local families identified by Habitat for Humanity of Knox County.
To learn more about the festivities or to register for parade participation, visit mainstreetmountvernon.com.
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