Town of Amherst Reverse Christmas Parade

Area residents are invited to experience the sights and sounds of the holiday season at the first ever 2020 “Reverse” Town of Amherst Christmas Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and will take place rain or shine.

The Town of Amherst is pleased to announce that with some creative thinking the annual Christmas Parade will proceed with a modified plan.

The Town of Amherst annual Christmas Parade is an event where hundreds of residents and out-of-town visitors normally gather along the parade route.   Requiring and enforcing onlookers to socially distance themselves from others would be next to impossible.   As a governing entity, Town Council, knowing they are required to follow any guidelines that may be in effect, wanted to find a safe solution for this annual event.    

Town Council and staff are happy to have heard about the idea of a “reverse parade” where floats and other entries are stationary and spaced apart along the parade route, and those wishing to view the parade can do so simply by driving by to enjoy it from the safety of their vehicles.

The hope is that this “reverse parade” format will keep all parade participants safe within their limited groups and designated space as well as the spectators viewing from their vehicles as they drive by.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m. on Friday December 4, 2020, the parade will best be viewed by exiting from the expressway on the north side of Town near Grandview and driving south down Main Street toward Amherst County High School and exiting past Ambriar Shopping Center.   Please be aware that one-way traffic running north to south will begin at the traffic circle ending at Ambriar Shopping Center starting at 5:30 p.m. on December 4, 2020.

Residents and Businesses: We are encouraging residents on the north end of Town and businesses to decorate in a big way this year since they will be on display and awards will be given to best decorated residence and business.

Widely considered one of our area’s most popular holiday spectacles, the annual Christmas parade features colorful floats and entries from local businesses, churches, schools and civic groups, as well as school marching bands and – of course – Santa Claus.