Holiday spirit filled mountain air as the 47th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade stepped off on December 2nd, marking the success of one the city’s most popular holiday traditions.
Grand Marshal and Grand Ole Opry member Mark Wills ushered in the seasonal celebration amongst thousands of paradegoers lined along the downtown Parkway. Wills was accompanied by special guests, Country Artist, Hannah Dasher and Singer/Songwriter, Janelle Arthur.
The festive line-up featured elaborate floats, regional marching bands, holiday balloons, and of course, Jolly Ole Saint Nick, himself. Spreading good tidings and Christmas cheer, parade float entries were also competing to be the best of the best in four select categories: Best Professional Float/Unit, Best Original Float, Best Use of Lights, and Best Marching Band. The winners of those categories are as followed.
Best Professional Float/Unit:
1st: Sugarlands Distilling Co.
2nd: Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
3rd: Ober Mountain
Best Original Float/Unit:
1st: Dirt Cheap Hauling & Services
2nd: That Rusty Bus
3rd: Mountain Laurel Chalets
Best Use of Lights:
1st: Smoky Mountain Jeep Club
2nd: EBCI Pageant Board
3rd: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Best Marching Band:
1st: White County Warrior Marching Band
2nd: Boardman Spartan Marching Band
3rd: Carter High School Marching Hornet Band
The 47th Annual Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will be televised on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on select Nexstar stations across the United States.