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In continuing what has become a nearly-six-decade tradition, the Cowan Christmas Parade will be held on Dec. 2 under the theme “The Sweetness of Christmas.”

The parade has a long-standing tradition of being the symbolic kickoff of the Christmas season in Franklin County, and this year will be no different for the event’s 59^th edition.

The parade is always on the first Saturday in December and begins at 1 p.m.

Staging and line-up will be at South Middle School and Davis Street. The official parade route will start at the former Cookie’s Market, now Paw Paw’s Country Cooking, and continue through town, ending at Cowan Elementary.

Chuck Stines, event organizer, said the Christmas in Cowan Committee and the City of Cowan hope to see as many spectators as possible on hand to share in the fun and excitement of the parade’s 59^th chapter.

He summed up the parade’s focus.

“The parade with all the sounds, colorful floats, bands, antique cars, tractors, horses and Shriners Tin Lizzie Unit hopes to be your official start to the Christmas season,” he said.

Stines said that more than $2,000 in prize money is up for grabs with awards for entries including first place, $1,000; second place, $500; third place, $200; best tractor, $100; best automobile, $100; and best equestrian entry, $100.

Other prizes may be awarded by parade officials, he said, adding that winning entries will be based upon creativity and the parade’s theme. He added that official parade rules must be followed.

“The organization and planning for such an event are monumental,” Stines said. “We are blessed with a great community that supports our parade, but we rely on donations for operational cost.

“We have tried to limit our solicitations for the past few years due to the state of our economy. However, this year, we are asking for your support in monetary or in-kind donations. We look forward to an exciting parade this year and hope we continue to grow in participation and spirit.”

Stines said that parade organizers wanted to feature a local grand marshal this year who has made a significant, positive impact within the Cowan community.

“We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Virginia Sawyer has been selected as this year’s grand marshal,” he said. “Mrs. Sawyer has been a community staple and a loving and giving community partner. Literally thousands of people have enjoyed Ms. Virginia’s fried pies.

“This year’s theme is ‘The Sweetness of Christmas,’ and we think that no one is more deserving of this title. We encourage everyone to come out to the 59^th annual Cowan Christmas Parade to help celebrate Mrs. Virginia Sawyer.”

Parade-entry forms and information may be picked up by visiting Cowan City Hall, 301 Cumberland St. E., or by calling 931-967-7318.

Candy and monetary donations are also being accepted at Cowan City Hall.