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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The City of Cherryville hosted its annual Christmas parade on Main Street, with a new 5 PM start time, on Saturday, December 13, 2025. According to Emily Dellinger, the City of Cherryville's event coordinator, the number of participants was about the same as last year, with familiar faces returning and some new entries joining in.
A Cherryville Fire Department Truck in the Parade. December 13th,2025
WNN
This year, they changed the ending of the parade route because Tractor Supply is building a new store at 1012 East Main Street, where Harris Teeter used to be located. Instead of ending in that lot, which was the usual spot, the parade finished on First Street.
The Tractor Supply Co. located at 1012 East Main Street. December 17th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
In 2023, organizers moved the lineup area to First Street. They wanted to reduce the traffic congestion on Main Street while preparing everything. Using a street with less traffic has made setting up the event much easier.
The parade, which lasted an hour, brought together dance teams, scout groups, churches, and businesses. A City of Cherryville police truck started the parade, followed by Grand Marshal Danny Eaker, then newly appointed Mayor Wade Stroupe and his partner, Mary Brown, riding in a white Cadillac.
Cherryville Baseball Icon Danny Eaker (Santa Hat) as Grand Marshal in the 2025 Cherryville Christmas Parade - December 13th, 2025
Cherryville American Legion Post 100
Beam Construction was one of many businesses in attendance, waving to the crowd. Wise Electric Control's Mister Sparky brought snow to the parade, which seemed like a blizzard at times.
The almost perfect weather was dry, with the sun setting and temperatures in the 50s at the 5 PM start, dropping into the 40s by the parade's end.
A Beam Construction worker waving to the crowd. December 13th,2025
WNN
Towards the end of the parade, those in attendance possibly wondered, Why was Santa's sleigh being pulled by a white horse? Where were his iconic reindeer we've all come to love? There is actually history behind this.
It goes back to early traditions about the original St. Nicholas. The historical St. Nicholas was a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity to children and the poor. In many European customs, he was depicted riding a white horse as he traveled to give gifts.
In Dutch and Belgian celebrations of St. Nicholas (called Sinterklaas), the saint still traditionally arrives on a white horse—sometimes named Amerigo or Ozosnel—and children leave carrots or hay for the horse on the night before December 6.
Today’s image of Santa in a sleigh with reindeer originates from later American and commercial traditions. Still, the connection to white horses reminds us of these older European customs that helped shape the modern holiday.
The new 5 pm start time was a collaborative decision made by the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce, city officials, the Festivals and Events Committee, public safety departments, public works, and the Cherryville Main Street Program.
"With the addition of Christmas decorations and lights to our downtown in recent years, we felt this would be an opportunity to highlight the beauty of downtown at dusk," Dellinger said. "Additionally, the 5 pm time avoids conflict with most other local parades in our area for both attendees and entries."
Entry fees collected from parade participants help cover expenses, including advertising, signage, and security costs. Any remaining funds support the chamber's operations and other community events throughout the year.
Dellinger said the early evening schedule has received positive feedback from both participants and those who watched the parade.
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