11-24-10 —     The holiday season officially arrives in Monticello Friday evening, with the 40th Annual Monticello-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. This is a landmark year for the parade and it also marks the first time that the procession will have co-Grand Marshals, noted Eulah Johnson with the Monticello-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce.

    Paul and Katherine Dunnington will lead the 2010 Christmas Parade. 

Both are involved in numerous activities and have given back to the community in many ways.

    “This is the first year we have had co-Grand Marshals and they are both very deserving,” noted Johnson. “They are just great choices.”

    The Dunningtons have been married for 52 years and they have two daughters, Mischa Brainard of Somerset, and Stephanie Montrose of Atlanta, Georgia. They have four grandchildren.

    Both are members of the First Baptist Church where they are active in missions projects. Paul has been involved in 13 international mission trips, while Katherine has been involved in 12. They are both involved in Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief as well.

    Paul is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and last year he was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served for 26 years on the South Kentucky Economic Development Board and is a 42 year member of the Kiwanis Club. He currently serves as a member of the Wayne County Board of Education.

    They will lead a procession that will be filled with many of the traditional parade entries that folks enjoy, like floats, wagons, antique cars and much more.

    Johnson noted that last year the parade had 113 entries and over 1,250 participants, and they are hoping to surpass that this year. 

The total number of entries this year was not available at press time.

    The theme for this year’s parade is “A Lake Cumberland CHRISTmas.” 

Prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third place float entries in each category—Best Business, Best Academic, and Best Civic/ Non-Profit.

    First prize will also be awarded for Best Decorated Wagon.

    The parade will begin at 6 p.m. Lineup will begin at 4 p.m. on Hardwood Drive. Hardwood Drive will be closed beginning at 3:45 p.m. 

Friday and it will be remained closed until approximately 6:30 p.m.

    The parade will travel from Hardwood Drive along Main Street to the downtown area. The procession will end on Columbia Avenue at the Judicial Center.

    While everyone is encouraged to get out and line Main Street to see the parade, those who are unable to attend will have the opportunity to watch in on the local cable channel.

    Anyone who would like more information about the parade should contact the Chamber office at (606) 348-3064.