Christmas Around the World is this year's parade theme in McKinney on Saturday, Dec. 13. This is an annual event organized by the McKinney Rotary Club, which uses the donations raised to fund local, regional, national and international projects focusing on six areas: promoting peace, preventing diseases, providing access to clean water and sanitation, enhancing maternal and child health, improving basic education and literacy and helping communities develop.
Parade participants should arrive between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. for inspection. Float judging will begin at 4:30 p.m. The parade is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
The staging area is in Finch Park. Organizers state that details for the participants will be emailed the week of the parade (on or after Dec. 1). Parking is limited near Finch Park. They ask that float participants meet prior to entering the park and ride in together. They also ask that groups participating in the parade not walk but ride because the parade route is longer than usual and walkers are unable to keep up with the pace of the parade.
Attendees to the parade should note that parking in Historic Downtown McKinney is limited. Trolley service will be available from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. Downtown visitors and parade spectators are encouraged to ride the trolley. Trolley service is free and service will run approximately every 15 minutes in McKinney from First Baptist Church, 1615 W. Louisiana St. Riders will be delivered to Dr. Glenn Mitchell Memorial Park in McKinney, one block west of the square. Following the parade, guests will be picked up at Mitchell Park to return to vehicles at First Baptist.
Parade sponsorships are available, ranging from $250 to $4,500. Parade efforts are being supported by McKinney Community Development Corporation representatives.
Parade-related questions may be directed to Harold McLeod, Rotary immediate past president, via mckinneyparadeoflights@gmail.com.