Santa waves near the end of a 2013 parade in Chattanooga.It’s time to strike up the band – well, bands, really – for “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Both anthems will be apropos-ho-ho Saturday, Nov. 8, as Hamilton Place welcomes the big guy from the North Pole in his first appearance in the Scenic City since Christmas Eve 2013.
Yep, it’s been almost a year since his sleigh lifted off for that ’round-the-world flight, and he’ll back to hear wish lists following the Santa Arrival Parade, which starts at 11 a.m. in the Sears parking lot. Participants will circle the mall, passing the Judges Stand in front of Bar Louie and ending near the Food Court entrance, where children can escort Santa inside for photo-ops.
Last year, say mall officials, more than 1,000 participants took part in the parade, representing more than 50 community groups, businesses and high school and middle school bands. Entrants will vie for bragging rights along with prizes in six categories: Best of Parade, Best High School Band, Community Spirit Award, Most Holiday Spirit, Best Performance by a Dance/Chorus Group and Outstanding Commercial Entry.
The parade is one of two signature events ushering in the holiday season at the mall. The other is the Reindeer Dash, a family-friendly 5K around the 200-acre complex that will start at 8 a.m. at Academy Sports + Outdoors, 2220 Hamilton Place Blvd. Registration is $25, and all money raised will benefit the Hamilton Family YMCA’s Community Support Campaign.
Visit HamiltonPlace.com for more information.