Downtown Sanford, Inc. will welcome the holiday season with festive lights, marching bands, floats and, of course, Santa Claus as the annual Sanford Christmas Parade makes its way down the historic streets of downtown Sanford on December 4, 2023.
After many years of hosting North Carolina’s longest running nighttime Christmas parade, the Central Carolina Jaycees are handing over the reins of the holiday event to DSI.
“We are thrilled that Downtown Sanford, Inc. will take over the annual parade beginning this year,” said Cameron McNeill, longtime member of the Central Carolina Jaycees and co-coordinator of the Sanford Christmas Parade. “After meeting with representatives of DSI to discuss their vision and shared passion for the parade, we are confident that the baton is being passed to a group that will continue the legacy and tradition our community has enjoyed for years and will work to make it even better in the future. I want to thank the members of the Jaycees, both past and present, who have worked tirelessly over the years to make our Christmas parade such an enjoyable family event for our community and beyond.”
“We look forward to a seamless transition for one of Sanford’s most treasured events,” said DSI Executive Director Kelli Laudate. “We thank the Jaycees for trusting us with this 46-plus year Christmas tradition.”