CHRISTMAS PARADE TONIGHT: Drivers urged to watch for increased pedestrian traffic
The Limestone County Tree Lighting and Trustmark Athens Christmas Parade are tonight, and motorists should expect traffic delays in the area and watch for increased pedestrian traffic.
The tree lighting is at the Courthouse at 5 p.m. with music and other festivities.
The parade is at 6 p.m. and starts at Athens High School and goes west on Hobbs Street, around The Square, and south on Jefferson Street to Hometown Grocery.
Thousands of spectators will line up along the parade route. Some have already started parking their vehicles along the route. Please do not remove any barricades or Athens Police will have the vehicle towed if the owner cannot be contacted.
“This is a cherished tradition for the Athens community and visitors, and we can all work together to ensure it is a safe one,” said Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson, who is this year’s grand marshal. “Motorists can slow down and watch out for excited children who may dart into a street without looking, and parents can caution their children to watch for traffic. Spectators need to stay out of the streets during the parade and give floats and other vehicles plenty of room to navigate the parade route.”