Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The Jonesboro Human Development Center (JHDC) will be hosting its 5th annual Christmas parade in December.
Dustin Azlin, investigator with the JHDC, said several groups have already signed up to participate, including local trucking companies, K8, and the Jonesboro Media Group. Santa, elves, and the Grinch will also be present.
JDHC residents aren’t the only ones who view the parade, Azlin said, as students from the nearby Fox Meadow Elementary School also get to watch.
“They allow their kiddos to come outside and view the parade as well, so it’s not only an event for JHDC, but it’s also an event for the neighborhood,” he said.
Azlin said applications from those wanting to participate in the parade would be accepted up until the day of the event. However, more advanced notice is preferable. Those interested in joining the parade should call the JHDC Main Office at (870) 932-4043 and ask for Azlin or Becky Hale.
Jonesboro police will be on scene on the day in order to help direct traffic.
The parade route is below:
The event started in 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Azlin said JHDC staff worked to find a way to keep their residents involved on campus. Since then, it has become a mainstay for JHDC’s holiday season, he said.
Azlin said the most rewarding part of the parade is seeing the look on residents’ faces as Santa rides by.
“It’s just amazing seeing the smiles that crawl across their faces and their eyes light up,” he said.
The parade will be Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. Parade lineup will begin at the JHDC Administration Building between 12:30 to 12:45 p.m.