For the first time in at least 20 years, there will be a silent night instead of a Holiday Starlight Parade in downtown Chattanooga this year.
A series of miscues and lack of funding led organizers to cancel the traditional parade along Market Street as well as the Appalachian Christmas, a bluegrass music event held at Miller Plaza.
“It’s just a funding issue,” said Carla Pritchard, president of Chattanooga Presents, which organizes the parade. “The money’s not there.”
She said the Grand Illumination, which lights up the downtown skyline, still will go on.
Richard Beeland, spokesman for Mayor Ron Littlefield, said the city just couldn’t afford the cost this year.