When Ooltewah’s Steve Ray helped plan the first Spirit of Christmas Parade 15 years ago, he never imagined it would become the event it is today.
“I thought to myself, if I got three [hundred] or 400 people it would be great,” he said. “We only had two stoplights back then.”
Now, thanks to both the area’s growth and a dedication to maintaining the annual event’s small-town feel, the parade has become synonymous with the season.
This year’s event will take place the first Sunday of the month (Dec. 7) “just like it always has and will,” Ray said.
“It gives people who live in our area the opportunity to stay in our area,” he said. “It kind of kicks off Christmastime for my family – and many others in the area.”
Ray said the unique rules of the Ooltewah Christmas parade are what sets it apart from other parades.
“There are very few rules in our parade,” he said. “Anyone – anyone – who wants to be in the parade can be [in good taste]. It’s first come, first served, whether you are a local business or a congressman. This parade is for everybody. All that we ask is that you don’t speed, and remember this parade is for children.”
And, he added, all proceeds from the sign-ups ($25 per parade group) benefit The Samaritan Center. Typically, more than $2,000 is raised each year for the nonprofit, he said.
“It’s as hokey as hokey can be, but it’s a really great time,” said Ray.
He reminisced about the first year of parade planning, when he and the other planners decided to end the event in the former Winn-Dixie grocery parking lot.
“We rounded the corner and saw the rows of people four deep on each side of the road and we were so happy. But guess where they all parked? The Winn-Dixie lot. We learned really quickly that anyone can start a parade but it takes the smart guy thinking ahead to end the parade,” he said with a laugh. “I still think to this day it was the greatest traffic jam to have ever hit Collegedale.”
Since then, the parade has ended at Ooltewah Middle School without a hitch, Ray said.
Following this year’s parade, which kicks off at 3 p.m., Cambridge Square will host its second annual tree lighting ceremony from 4:30-6:30 p.m., sponsored by Ooltewah United Methodist Church.
Santa Claus will make an appearance for photos, and the characters from Disney’s “Frozen” may be on the scene as well. Community groups will present special performances and guests can browse local shops while enjoying treats from Wired Coffee and more.
“I think this adds to the ambiance of the community,” Ray said. “I’m a big hometown guy. I want people to have the option to celebrate and stay local. I’d like to see Ooltewah become a destination area.”
For more information on the event or to get involved, visit spiritofchristmastn.com.