After much consideration, the Germantown 2020 Holiday Parade has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision was not made lightly and the Parks and Recreation department explored the possibility of a reverse parade. However, due to the current rise in COVID cases locally, hosting a parade in any capacity was not in the best interest of the health and safety of the community.
The cancellation of the parade will not dull the City’s holiday spirit. The Parks and Recreation department has worked diligently to adapt traditional holiday events while adhering to the current health guidelines. See below for a list of events that will still take place this year.
n Virtual Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 27
Virtual festivities begin at 5 p.m.; with a tree lighting 5:30 p.m.
Tune in to the Parks and Recreation Facebook page or Germantown’s YouTube channel.
Watching the first flicker of the white lights on the Holiday Tree is a long standing tradition in Germantown and the city is keeping that tradition going virtually.
Your family can gather at home to sing holiday songs, toast marshmallows and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season. Viewers can expect a vocal performance by the Germantown Community Chorus. Merrymakers will also enjoy special video messages from Santa and a reading of a classic Christmas story by Mayor Mike Palazzolo. Afterward, comes the much anticipated lighting of the tree streamed live on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
n Holiday Lighting Contest
Deadline for entries is Dec. 7; Judging takes place on Dec. 8; Winners announced on Dec. 9
Show your community pride and the spirit of the holidays! All Germantown residents and businesses are invited to enter the Germantown Beautification Commission’s Holiday Lighting Contest.
All Germantown residents and businesses are invited to enter the contest by submitting an evening photo of your home or business lighting display, including your street address, a contact phone number, email and entry category. If you want to submit an entry for a friend or neighbor, just make sure the address is included on the entry submittal.
The photo with the most votes will win a holiday gift courtesy of the Germantown Beautification Commission and of course, the ultimate bragging rights. After all entries are submitted, a map will be posted to social media and the city’s website so you and your family can take a drive and admire the light displays.
Entries must be submitted to Teresa Martin at [email protected]. Voting will take place in the following categories: traditional, traditional doorway, children’s Christmas, religious, lights galore, business, subdivision entrance, zero lot and best of show. For more information, call 901.757.7375.
In addition to these events, the city will also debut some new decorations at locations such as the corner of Farmington Boulevard/Germantown Road, Depot Park and the former Iris Garden. The traditional decorations around the Business District will still be in place this year.
Last week, Dogwood Elementary was filled with fifth grade Crazy Chemists. Students dressed up for the yearly science adventure. The school’s PTO worked with teachers to organize exciting experiments. From laughing at funny sounds from Chicken in a Cup to the exciting gasps after the Fizz Inflators, students were so excited to learn about the experiments. Students also competed in building the Tallest Tower out of noodles and marshmallows, and they made homemade bubbling Lava Lamps! The final activity is always a student favorite: The Diet Coke Fountain! Mr. Bozeman said, “I don’t have a favorite activity, but I absolutely love seeing and hearing the excitement as students see the different reactions! I love seeing their eyes opened to the possibilities. It’s cool to watch the students really enjoy science!”
