Christmas Parade will be a drive-through in Clarksville this year

Yes, Clarksville will have a Christmas Parade this year, of sorts. It will be a parade in reverse, with floats and displays along the side of the road and spectators driving through to see the sights.

The parade usually winds through downtown Clarksville while of spectators line the streets. This year, the “parade” will be from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, on Riverside Drive. Participants will be positioned along the road, and citizens will drive through the event, according to a news release.

“We wanted to sustain the tradition but be mindful of everyone’s safety, so the decision to make it a drive-by parade was a good compromise,” Mayor Joe Pitts said in the release. “I look forward to seeing everyone out for the parade, but staying safe in their vehicles with their family members.”

The public should anticipate several road closures on the day of the parade:

• From noon to 8 p.m., both southbound lanes on Riverside Drive and the center turning lane will be closed. Only one northbound and one southbound lane will be open for two-way traffic.
• Left turns onto Riverside Drive from McClure Street and Jefferson Street will be prohibited. Only right turns will be permitted.

For more information about the Clarksville Christmas Parade, go to ClarksvilleParksRec.com.