THE COWAN Christmas Parade is an event that has brought joy, unity, and family traditions to the community for nearly six decades. Each year, the event fills the community with love, charm, great food, great memories, and a wealth of Christmas spirit. The 59th annual Cowan Christmas Parade promises beautifully decorated floats, talented band performances, Tin Lizzies, tumbling teams, grand marshals, and countless smiles.
For Chuck Stines, the chairman of the Christmas in Cowan committee, and many others in the community, Christmas in Cowan is a time-honored tradition that transcends generations.
“For me and my family, I know the way we celebrated was we always went to the Cowan Christmas Parade, and then we put our Christmas tree up. That’s a tradition that we’ve had throughout the years and that I’ve continued with my family,” Chuck shared, reminiscing about his cherished memories of attending the parade as a child.
Chuck’s involvement with the parade began several years ago when the event was at risk of fading away. He stepped in while serving on the county commission and as a city council member in Cowan. The parade’s importance to the community and its tradition of celebrating Christmas cheer were reasons enough for him to pick up the mantle.
Thanks to the dedicated support of the community, the Cowan Christmas Parade has never been canceled despite occasional delays due to unforeseen circumstances. The event thrives with the help of local businesses, organizations, and individuals who come together to keep the tradition alive.
In recent years, the committee has added famous grand marshals to the parade, developing an extra layer of excitement. These grand marshals, whether celebrities or local community heroes, contribute to the festive spirit and highlight the true meaning of Christmas.
Chuck emphasized the importance of community involvement: “We’ve prided ourselves on getting it built back up to not just the parade but other events that draw people into Cowan and Franklin County. We love to see participation from all our churches, civic organizations, and schools.”
The parade route takes participants and spectators on a journey through the heart of Cowan, reflecting the city’s history and heritage, often with a train playing a central role — a reference to the city’s deep connection to the railroad.
The colorful floats and bands contribute to the parade’s vibrant atmosphere. Chuck shared that the committee encourages and invites everyone to participate. He also mentions the community’s efforts to collect candy for the parade and their dedication to ensuring Santa Claus has enough candy to last throughout the event.
In addition to the festive floats and entertainment, the Cowan Christmas Parade often features local organizations and community-focused themes. Each year, they choose an organization that has positively impacted the community to honor and support.
The Cowan Christmas Parade’s inclusivity extends to participants as well.
“We allow pretty much any kind of entry that you have. We want as much involvement as [possible],” Chuck explained, emphasizing their open approach to participants and the importance of community engagement.
As the parade winds its way down Cumberland Street, it begins at Paw Paw’s Country Cookin on the west side and concludes at Cowan Elementary School. The parade showcases the community’s unity, pride, and resilience and continues to be a precious tradition that brings joy to Cowan during the holiday season.
Chuck Stines and the Christmas in Cowan committee work tirelessly to ensure that the Cowan Christmas Parade remains a cherished tradition for generations to come. With its rich history, diverse participants, and unwavering community support, the parade exemplifies the true essence of Christmas — unity, joy, and the celebration of cherished traditions.
“It’s definitely a high-energy, free event. And it’s a pretty event. It’s something to be able to drive down that parade route and see the kids’ faces light up when you’re throwing candy. They get that candy, and they get to see the siren on the fire truck with Santa. Just seeing the look in their eyes takes me back to feeling like a kid for a little while and enjoying that moment. It sparks some excitement and gets them hyped up for the Christmas season. And that’s what we want to see and want to promote: the true meaning of Christmas and the love for one another and community involvement.” GN
