Christmas Parade theme "An Essential Christmas"

PRINCETON — The Dec. 5 Princeton Christmas parade will celebrate essential workers.

The theme “An Essential Christmas,” was announced Thursday evening by the Gibson County Visitors and Tourism Bureau.

This year’s parade is at 5 p.m. and includes some changes due to impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.

There will be a change in the parade route to allow for social distancing. Line-up will begin at Princeton Community High School.

The route will be announced at a later date.

All parade entries this year must be mobile units like floats, vehicles or golf carts. There will be no walkers this year to allow continual flow. All participants riding with mobile units will be encouraged to wear masks and/or practice safe social distancing.

No candy will be thrown to spectators and, in an effort to discourage a large gathering of spectators in one area, there will not be a courthouse lighting ceremony prior to this year’s parade.

Santa will be included in the parade, but there will be no visits with Santa. Parade entries will not be judged and no trophies will be presented.

Residents are encouraged to decorate their own vehicles and participate in the parade.

The parade will be broadcast on Facebook Live, and anyone not feeling well is asked to stay home.

The parade may be canceled at any time if changes are made by the state, or locally, to social distancing guidelines that prohibit such gatherings, or if it is deemed unsafe by the parade committee.

Participation in the parade is free. Those interested in participating in the Christmas parade can contact the Gibson County Visitors & Tourism Bureau at 812-385-0999 or via email at kelly@gibsoncountyin.org.

Parade entry forms and sponsorship forms can be downloaded from the Gibson County Visitors & Tourism website at www.gibsoncountyin.org.