Applications are still being accepted through Wednesday for A Hometown Christmas, which is the annual Middlesboro Christmas Parade. The festivities will take place Saturday in Downtown Middlesboro. Food, crafts and vendors will be set up at 11 a.m.

The annual Magic City Christmas Parade will begin at 1 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. followed by outdoor movies at 6 p.m. The outdoor movies will consist of Frosty, Rudolph and Elf.

Just last week, the Middlesboro Christmas Parade Committee announced the 2019 Main Street Magic City Christmas Parade Grand Marshal, which is Richard Tamer.

Tamer was born and raised in Middlesboro and is named the honorary mayor of the city by several residents.

“This is just something that we wanted to do to show our appreciation for Mr. Tamer,” Bell County Tourism Director Jon Grace said.

Tamer is the CEO of Tamer’s Lawncare of Middlesboro that he has ran for 55 years — mowing yards of the community.

“The committee has contacted bands, churches, dance groups and local businesses near and far to participate in this year’s event,” Middlesboro Main Street Director Emily Ayers said. “Along with the parade, there will be street vendors, tree lighting with carolers and storytelling. To finish the evening, there will be a movie for everyone to enjoy.”

The committee is made up of creative citizens who are passionate about Middlesboro’s history and growth as a community. They have been working tirelessly around the clock since January in preparation for this year’s Christmas parade.

“None of this could be made possible without the financial support of our local individuals and businesses,” Ayers explained. “Sponsorships are available in the amount of $500 and up. That will be used for first place floats, bands and performing dancers/cheer teams, entertainment and decorating downtown Middlesboro. However, any amount would be greatly appreciated to continue the tradition for another year.”

The Christmas Parade is one of many children’s favorite memories and is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Middlesboro Main Street is currently looking for sponsors.

Applications are also available for participants in the parade for the following categories:

• Floats – Commercial, Church and Non-Profit;

• Performances – Bands, Dancers, and Other;

• Other Groups – Walking groups, Truck/Van/Car , and Political Candidate.

The applications need to be turned in to Middlesboro Main Street Director Emily Ayers, Bell County Tourism Director Jon Grace, or Bell County Chamber of Commerce Director Sheila Durham by Wednesday.

With help from the community, the city of Middlesboro, caring sponsors and zealous volunteers, the Middlesboro Christmas Parade Committee is excited to host an event that citizens of the tri-state area will enjoy and be proud of for years to come.

Be sure to mark your calendars and lineup downtown between 15th Street and 21st Street on Dec. 7 and don’t forget about all the exciting events on Fountain Square.

For more information on a Magic City Christmas, you can contact Bell County Tourism Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 606-248-2482.