Parades in Marion and Greensboro, Perry Co. historic tour, and poetry lecture top list of events
Communities across the Black Belt are gearing up for a festive weekend filled with holiday cheer, parades, and seasonal celebrations on December 13 and 14, 2024. From Greensboro to Marion, these events promise to highlight local traditions, history, and community spirit.
Greensboro Christmas Parade and Festivities
The city of Greensboro will host its annual Christmas festivities, beginning on Friday, December 13, with a Christmas Community Choir Concert, Christmas Tree Lighting, and a Fireworks Show at 6:00 p.m. Downtown Main Street, between Whelan and Beacon Streets, will be filled with holiday cheer, free hot dogs, candy, beverages, and photos with Santa.
On Saturday, December 14, Greensboro’s Christmas Parade kicks off at 2:30 p.m. This year’s theme, “A Christmas Story,” will feature decorated floats, antique cars, and five marching bands. Grand Marshals Salaam Green, a Greensboro native and Birmingham’s inaugural Poet Laureate, and Rick Crawford will lead the parade. Vendors, food, and entertainment will line Main Street throughout the day, making this a celebration for the entire community.
Marion Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square
Marion’s annual Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square event will light up Downtown Main Street on Saturday, December 14, at 5:00 p.m. The evening parade will feature holiday-themed floats, vehicles, ATVs, and more, while the Christmas on the Square event, centered around 123 E. Jefferson Street, will include food, vendors, live entertainment, and festive decorations.
Registration for participants, including churches, businesses, and community groups, remains open at Marion City Hall. Perry County Christmas Tour of Homes
For those seeking a historical perspective on the holidays, the Perry County Historical and Preservation Society’s annual Christmas Tour of Homes will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors will explore eight historic sites in Marion, each adorned with festive holiday décor:
- Lockett-Martin-Nyman Home: A Greek Revival residence completed by 1840, known for its connection to the design of the Confederate “Stars and Bars” flag.
- Halcyon (Elam-Foster Home): Built in the 1930s, restored in an authentic style, and featuring a serene setting with a shady yard and fishing pond.
- Lincoln School and Museum: Established by freed slaves in 1867, the site includes memorabilia and exhibits on notable alumni like Coretta Scott King.
- Woodfin-Nevin Home: A Victorian residence built in 1894, featuring wraparound porches and an intricate marquetry floor, now operating as an Airbnb.
- Perry-Gerard Home: Built by Dr. Samuel Perry, featuring 14-foot ceilings, French doors, and a spacious front hall.
- Faith Chapel Baptist Church: Founded in 1948, it began as a Sunday School in the Woodfin-Nevin Home and remains a vibrant rural community church.
- Heiberger Methodist Church: Completed in 1909, known for its unpainted wood and beadboard interior, and a landmark in the Heiberger community.
- Marion Female Seminary: The tour headquarters, offering registration, crafts, and Southern cuisine from food trucks.
Tickets are $20 for Historical Society members and $25 for non-members and can be purchased through Eventbrite or at the door.
Literary Arts and Community Events
In conjunction with these festivities, the Friends of Hale County Library will host a literary event featuring Salaam Green on December 14 at 4:00 p.m. at the Project Horseshoe Farm Ballroom in Greensboro. Green, the 2024 Literary Arts Awardee, will discuss her acclaimed poetry and her work as a healer and advocate for racial reconciliation.
These events showcase the cultural heritage, community spirit, and holiday cheer that define the Black Belt during the Christmas season. Whether attending a parade, exploring historic homes and buildings, or enjoying local arts and crafts, residents and visitors alike are invited to celebrate and make holiday memories.
