It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The 2014 Hometown Holiday Horse Parade returns on Saturday, November 22 at 7 pm in downtown Greenville! This annual tradition in Darke County has kicked off the holiday season for the downtown district the past 11 years!
The 2014 Grand Marshal will be Jenny Clark, the visionary who helped to create the event in 2004. Jenny was inspired to create the event in Greenville after witnessing the parade in Lebanon, OH. “Greenville is my hometown. I always thought the downtown had such charm with the architecture and the storefronts, still beautiful and vibrant today. I am honored to be named the Grand Marshal of the 11th Annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade. It is very dear to my heart and I hope it continues to be a downtown tradition for years to come,” said Clark.
The lighted event boosts 50+ entries and brings an estimated 8,000+ spectators into the downtown area. The parade will travel down South Broadway, travel around the circle, and return back up South Broadway.
The committee would like to remind spectators to stay off of the street during the parade and do not try to cross S. Broadway once the parade has begun. In addition, please do not dangle your legs over the edge of the curb. “We want a safe environment for everyone. For those who are watching the parade and for those who bring their horses to participate,” said Chief Dennis Butts, Chief of Police for the City of Greenville.
Main Street Greenville, the non-profit organization that has been coordinating the event since 2004, and the Hometown Holiday Horse Parade Committee utilizes many volunteers within the community to make the event happen, as well as provide multiple entertainment options leading up to the parade. “This event helps to highlight our beautiful downtown to those who live here and those who visit. It is a great way to start your family’s holiday celebrations,” said Diana Stebbins, 2014 Parade Chair.
Below you will find the current list of entertainment / events for the day, please follow Main Street Greenville's Facebook Page to receive updates as they occur.
4-6:30 pm · Romer's Catering Delightful Dinner Buffet · 118 E. Main St. · Reservations required, includes free premier parking. Contact Romer's for more information at 937.548.2202.
4-7 pm · Shop & Dine downtown before the parade! Over 30 different independent shops and dining establishments!
4:30-5:30 pm · Adelee & Gentry · Corner of 4th & Broadway, in front of the Courthouse · Local singers perform your favorite holiday hits. Sponsored by CenturyLink.
5-7 pm · Free Pony Rides at First Congregational Christian Church · 115 W. 5th St. · Located on the church’s side lawn. Sponsored by CenturyLink & Cope’s Distributing.
5-5:30 pm · Storytime at Readmore’s Hallmark · 534 S. Broadway · Storytime with the Grinch!
5:30-6:15 pm · Calliope Performance from Firehouse Pipes of Union City · Annie Oakley Park (intersections of Martin, Washington, & S. Broadway) · An upbeat high energy performance. Sponsored by CenturyLink
5:45-6:45 pm · Joelle York · At the Fountain on the Circle - S. Broadway & Main St. · Local singer performs your favorite holiday hits. Sponsored by Cope’s Distributing.
6 pm · Storytime & Craft at Bread of Life · 107 W. Main St. · Storytime featuring The Legend of the Christmas Tree
6:30-7 pm · Kuroi Taka Taiko Drum Band · Annie Oakley Park (intersection of Martin, Washington & S. Broadway). Students from Mississinewa Valley perform. Sponsored by CenturyLink.
7 pm · 11th Annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade More than 50 lighted horse drawn carriages, hitches and riders illuminate downtown for a grand holiday tradition! Parade travels down S. Broadway, around the Circle, and back up S. Broadway.
Main Street Greenville would like to thank the families who bring their horses to this parade event. “It is a lot of work for them. They arrive at the staging area as early as 3 pm to prepare for the event. The parade simply would not be possible without their commitment. They do an amazing job,” said Amber Garrett, Executive Director for Main Street Greenville.
Main Street Greenville also thanks the local businesses who help to sponsor this annual event, a full list of sponsors can be found on their website. This year's Platinum Parade Sponsors are Wayne Healthcare, Greenville Federal, and OneMain Financial. “We are thankful for our sponsors’ support. Many of our sponsors are continued sponsors who help us create this event for our community each year,” said Dave Ernst, Board President for Main Street Greenville.
Please visit www.downtowngreenville.org or www.facebook.com/mainstreetgreenville for more information about Main Street Greenville and the 11th Annual Hometown Holiday Horse Parade. If you have any questions, you can contact them at 937-548-4998 or info@mainstreetgreenville.org.