Mount Vernon, Ohio Christmas Parade and Walk

The 2010 Christmas Parade and Walk in Mount Vernon, Ohio is scheduled for Sunday November, 28 beginning at 1:00 PM.

This year marks the first time the two events have been scheduled together. Earlier this year, Christmas Walk sponsors Heritage Center Association announced with the Mount Vernon News, as coordinators of the Christmas Parade, that the timing was right to finally merge these long-standing Mount Vernon holiday events.

Traditionally, the Mount Vernon Christmas Parade has been held on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. However, due to the popularity of the long-standing college football rivalry between Ohio State University and University of Michigan being played on November 27, it was a good time to make the move.

In an interview with the Mount Vernon News, HCA President Colby Wise said "I've been wanting to do this for a long time. This gives us the perfect opportunity to make one really strong event out of two successful events."

Downtown business owners will open their doors to customers and visitors beginning at 1:00 PM on Sunday November 28. The Christmas Carousel and Train will be located on West Vine Street and other activities for children include cookie decorating and holiday movies upstairs at the Alcove Restaurant, the Children's Secret Gift Shop, craftmaking at the Creative Foundation and face painting at the YMCA.

Entertainment will be offered at a variety of locations including First Knox National Bank, the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County and The Living Center. The Woodward Opera House will be open for tours and ThePlace@TheWoodward will present two showings of Professor Myroni's Magnificent, Marvelous Musical Menagerie. Downtown visitors can also view the gift baskets in storefronts that are part of the Food for the Hungry Silent Auction.

New in 2010 will be the Maker's Market inside the Buckeye Candy Building. Area vendors will sell their crafts and holiday goodies.

The "Candy Canes and Christmas Carols"-themed 2010 Christmas Parade will begin at 2:30 PM at the staging area located at United Precast on Howard Street. The intended parade route will move West on Howard Street, turning North on Main Street to the Public Square, then East on High Street to McKenzie Street. All units will follow McKenzie Street back to the staging area at UPI. Prior years have seen more than 100 parade entries.

Due to the tragic fire in Downtown Mount Vernon in late October, safety may require a shift of the parade route. Visitors should be sure to check the Mount Vernon News as November 28 approaches.

Entries are still being accepted until November 17 for the 2010 Mount Vernon Christmas Parade. Applications are available via the Mount Vernon News website here. There is no entry fee and trophies will be awarded to the best entries in 18 categories plus a Best Overall award winner. Judging will begin at United Precast at 1:00 PM and end promptly at 2:15 PM. A brief description of the entry is required and the parade committee requests that no parade entrant dress as Santa Claus so as to not confuse small children.

Santa will once again appear in the Mount Vernon Christmas Parade having arrived in town the day before. The Christmas Walk will continue until 5:00 PM when visitors gather on the Mount Vernon Public Square for the traditional singing of Christmas carols and tree-lighting ceremony.

Sources: Mount Vernon News ; Heritage Center Association