The Newport Christmas Parade will be Thursday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. The parade committee is seeking floats, antique vehicles, beauty queens, and horseback riders from school groups, area clubs, or businesses. Participants will be traveling down Highway. 69 to Malcolm Avenue then down to Village Mall parking lot.
The Arkansas Department of Health will require physical distancing of at least six feet between family groups and face coverings are required when physical distancing cannot be easily achieved including those who plan to enter the parade as a participant and for spectators. Parade organizers ask that those with fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell do not attend, as well as anyone who has had known exposure to someone with COVID-19 within 14 days of the parade.
Spectators also may consider not attending if they are 65 years or older, or if they have underlying health conditions including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma, or weakened immunity.
Spectators are asked to avoid standing near other groups along the route.
Awards will be given for first, second, and third place for both the commercial and non-commercial categories. Entry is free, and participants may choose their own holiday theme.
Santa Claus will be flying in early from the North Pole as the last entry in the parade, so organizers ask that parade participants do not plan a “fake” Santa on a float. Float judging will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Line up will be held in the parking lot across from Riceland Foods no sooner than 5 p.m. (McLain and Hwy. 69). Walkers and dance groups should line up on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69. Vehicles that are entered in the parade are to enter the parking lot from McLain Street and face toward Hwy. 69. There will be a lineup crew on hand. The lineup area will be very crowded. Those who are driving vehicles that will not be in the parade are asked to find parking on the Riceland side of Hwy. 69 and walk across to the lineup area. If dropping off a parade participant, please do not enter the parking lot.
Newport Police Chief Allen Edwards requests that anyone planning to ride horses during the parade to trailer their horses and unload at the lineup area instead of riding horses directly to the lineup.
Anyone planning to throw candy along the route will be required to use hand sanitizer provided by the Chamber of Commerce in the lineup area.
In the event of inclement weather, parade participants will be notified of an alternate date.
Click here for a Newport Christmas Parade Entry Form. Completed forms may be faxed to (870) 523-1055, as well as dropped off or mailed to the Chamber at 201 Hazel Street, or emailed to director@newportarchamber.org.
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