Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The 78th Annual Jonesboro Christmas Parade will be returning to Main Street this year with the theme “Sweet Treats on Main Street.”

Jonesboro Christmas Parade coordinator Heather Talley said there’s something about the nostalgia of having it back on Main Street that makes it feel right.

The parade was moved to Union Street last year after the demolition of the former Citizens Bank building caused a portion of Main Street to be closed.

This year’s theme is “Sweet Treats on Main Street – A Candy Christmas.” However, Talley said it is more than just candy; it’s anything sweet, from candy canes, sugar plums, Christmas fudge, baked goods, and more.

“I think of all of the Christmas songs that talk about all the Christmas candy and the treats,” Talley said, recalling all the sweets she enjoyed with her family around Christmas growing up. “So, it’s not just candy, but sweet treats too. If you can dream it… anything sweet, fun, bright, and colorful… that’s the goal this year.”

According to Talley, there were over 100 entries last year, with parade coordinators hoping for even more this year, noting that entries were made up of not only floats, but also walkers, bicyclists, cars, ATVs, and even horses and other animals.

“The main attraction, of course, is always the floats because they’re really big and bright and they’re eye-catching because they’re so large, but we’d love to have even more,” Talley said. “It doesn’t just have to be a float. We anticipate it’s typically about a third of each as far as the floats, the vehicles, and then the walkers, dance teams, bands, and things like that. Those are pretty evenly spread out.”

Participants can also compete for awards, such as the Best Float Award, the Best Dance Performance, the Best Overall Performance and the Best Band Award.

“I love that we have a Performance Zone this year. It’s going to be in front of the [Craighead County] Courthouse, which makes such a beautiful backdrop,” Talley said.

Performers will have 60 seconds to perform at the zone.

The parade, which begins with the Jonesboro Firefighters Pipes and Drums and ends with Santa and Mrs. Claus, will be Dec. 5 from 7-9 p.m., running from north to south along Main Street ending at Oak Avenue.

There will be designated loading zones again this year; however, participants will only receive their assigned zone information with the exact time and location in their registration packet to reduce confusion, Talley said.

Fees vary depending on participant type, which are listed below:

  • Free: Nonprofit organizations and media outlets covering the event
  • $50: Pageant queen (single vehicle)
  • $75: Walking units
  • $100: Floats
  • $125: Auto and ATV clubs (five vehicle max or $25 per vehicle if less than five)

All sponsors are welcome to have a float, vehicle, or walking unit participate at no additional charge. The deadline to register is Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. To register, click here.

For more information, visit the Jonesboro Christmas Parade website or email jonesborochristmasparade@gmail.com. All updates will be posted to the Jonesboro Christmas Parade Facebook page.