The Duncan Christmas Parade is coming up Saturday, but it will look somewhat different from previous years.
The parade has been an annual tradition for Duncan, going back about 35 years. This will be the sixth parade for Destiny Ahlfenger, who is the executive director for Main Street Duncan.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Christmas Movies.” The parade will start at 3 p.m. in downtown Duncan, and will last about two hours. Parade floats will start by the Stephens County Courthouse.
Ahlfenger said the parade gets a large audience every year. Last year, there were about 2,000 people at the parade. Anyone can be in the parade for free.
The parade will be different from last year. There will be more precautions and a focus on social distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Santa’s sleigh will be different, and volunteers are asked to wear masks, although it’s not a requirement.
There will be no food served at the parade. Judges will get a good bag.
“It’s OK to toss candy,” Ahlfenger said. “We will keep the tradition alive.”
Main Street Duncan has gotten donations for candy to be tossed, and many groups participating in the event will supply much of their own candy. The Duncan community has also provided funding to put the parade together.
“Parades are usually very expensive,” Ahlfenger said.
