Corbin’s annual Christmas Parade set for Saturday

Corbin’s annual Christmas parade is scheduled for Saturday night and it’s not too late to be a part of it.

Tourism Director Maggy Kriebel said area groups, clubs, businesses, agencies and organizations, even individuals, may sign up to participate.

“One year, we had a man and his dog as part of the parade,” Kriebel said.

The deadline to sign up is Thursday.

Participants are encouraged to do their utmost to display their Christmas spirit with one exception.

“The tourism commission will have the one-and-only Santa Claus in the parade,” Kriebel said.

As to the Christmas spirit, Kriebel said that is open to interpretation.

“We don’t do themes,” she said.

There is no entry fee.

Awards will be given out to the best entries in each of three categories as selected by a three-person panel of judges.

Plaques will be presented to the best entry in commercial, youth and non-profit categories.

“Each entry will be judged based on originality, durability, design and costume and casting,” Kriebel said.

The lineup for the parade will begin at 6 p.m. in the Corbin City Hall parking lot. The parade will kick off at 7 p.m. The route will take the parade north on Main Street, turning left onto Gordon Street and then disbursing on Kentucky Ave.

Applications to participate are available at the tourism office at The Corbin Center, online at www.corbinkytourism.com, or by calling the tourism office at 528-8860.

“We are just looking for as many people as possible to participate,” Kriebel said

There will be festivities and activities beginning at 5 p.m. at NIBROC Park, including free hot chocolate and opportunities to make crafts and a card to be sent to a military member.

Before riding in the parade, Santa will be at NIBROC Park to see the children.

In the event of heavy rain or snow, the parade will be postponed until Dec. 6.

“You don’t want people’s floats to get destroyed,” Kriebel said noting that some float decorations include items that don’t hold up to moisture.

A final decision will be made as late as possible on Saturday should it be raining or snowing.