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For many years, the citizens of Winchester have had something special to look forward to on the first Saturday of December. 

2024 would not be a disappointment. 

On December 7th, the annual Winchester Christmas Parade – with this year’s theme of “Movie Magic” – occurred along Main Street to the delight of hundreds if not thousands of individuals gathered to attend. 

“It’s really just a way to kick off the Christmas season and get everybody excited about that season of the year,” said Whitney Leggett, Director of Strategic Communication and Downtown Development for the City of Winchester. “It’s a great opportunity for community members to come together, whether that’s just [to] come and watch the parade or to actually be part of the parade.”

For months ahead of time, a committee consisting of city staff and more gathered to help plan the fun-filled event. 

On Saturday, as early as 3:00 p.m., festivities were already beginning. 

With Main Street closed to traffic – as the parade traveled down it from Boone Avenue to Depot Street – parade entries began lining up on South Main Street approximately 15 minutes after. 

In total, more than 80 different entries participated. 

“That’s everything from…school groups, church groups, businesses, local nonprofits [and more]” Leggett added. “People [are] walking, riding floats…driving in big vehicles, and machinery…tractors and vintage cars. We’ve even got some animals.” 

Among those participants in the parade were Clark County Preschool, Deaton’s Towing and Recovery LLC, Bluegrass Pediatric Therapies, Winchester F&AM Lodge #20, Landmark Baptist Church, Jay K’s Cafe, Boonesboro Boat Club Inc., Better Days Sober Living LLC, Clark County Youth Athletics, Clark Regional Medical Center, 2 Rivers Beercheese, Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, Midnight Tint & Customs, and many more. 

Yet that’s not all. 

Longtime Winchester radio personality Tim Smith served as Grand Marshall of the parade. 

“The committee unanimously decided that he would be a great Marshall this year,” Leggett said. “He’s committed a lot of years of service to our community, both on the radio and through working organizations.” 

Numerous organizations dedicated to serving both the city and county – including both the Winchester and Clark County Fire Departments, Clark County Road Department, Clark County Public Library, Winchester-Clark County Industrial Development Authority, and the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce appeared. 

Multiple pageant winners from this year’s Clark County Fair were also highlighted, while riders on horseback joined the event as well. 

And, with the theme of “Movie Magic”, characters from a variety of films both animated and live-action were showcased. 

Films referenced included “Home Alone”, “The Night Before Christmas”, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”, and much more. 

While disc jockey Lynn Toler played holiday music and the yearly Christmas tree was decorated and illuminated outside of the Clark County Courthouse for all to see, several local businesses – including The Engine House Pizza Pub just a short ways from Main Street – joined along in the town’s festive atmosphere with a decorative interior and exterior. 

Certainly not least, both Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance near the parade’s conclusion. 

“We love seeing the smile on the kids’ faces,” Leggett said. “The kids love it [all]!” 

Leggett offered some final thoughts on the yearly parade in Winchester. 

“It is really just kind of an old-fashioned tradition around the holidays that I think we’ve been able to keep alive for a long time,” she said. “That’s what makes things really exciting.”