Cabarrus Today

Holiday traditions will return to Downtown Concord next month with the 24th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the TrueCare Pharmacy 93rd Concord Christmas Parade. These events, free for the public, will take place on November 19 and 20 respectively, featuring children's activities, live music and dance performances, as well as fireworks.

The tree lighting ceremony will be held at Rotary Square due to ongoing construction in Downtown Concord. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, a kids' zone with inflatables and crafts. "New for 2021, The Salvation Army will hold a canned food drive," encouraging visitors to bring non-perishable items.

Scheduled performances include Cannon School Jazz Combo, Irvin Elementary School Chorus, Motion Dance Studio, and Dance Expressions. The event concludes with the tree lighting at 8:00 p.m., followed by fireworks.

Road closures around Union Street and Market Street SW will occur during the event. Details on parking restrictions are provided for attendees.

The Concord Christmas Parade is one of North Carolina's oldest parades. It begins at Church Street N and Lake Concord Road and covers over two miles through downtown streets. Community groups interested in participating can still register online.

This year's Parade Marshal is Noelle Rhodes Scott of the Cabarrus Arts Council. Scott has been instrumental in expanding arts initiatives in the community during her tenure.

The Santa Scramble 5K race returns this year along the parade route ending at McGee Park. Note that McGee Park's parking lot will be closed but accessible via specific routes.

Residents should also note that the local library branch on Union Street will close early on November 20 for the parade. Further information about these events can be found online.