Fork Shoals Christmas Parade 

The Fork Shoals Christmas Parade was held on November 28 at 3pm. The parade theme this year was Christmas in the Country. There were an estimated 800 to 1000 spectators to watch forty-two floats in the parade and the weather was perfect. According to Cheryl MacKnight, “We had two Grand Marshals this year, Sheriff Hobart Lewis, and the Clemson Tiger. Trophies awarded:  Judges’ Choice was Oak Hill and Pisgah UMC Youth, Best Theme went to the Childress Family, Best Music was Woodmont FFA and the Bennett Brothers, and Most Original was awarded to Reed Creek Golf Carts Terry Pitts. Thank you, Gloria Hughey and Durant Ashmore, all participants, and spectators, for making this a wonderful parade!”

Simpsonville Parade

On Sunday, December 5, 2021, the Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Simpsonville launched their annual Simpsonville Christmas Parade. The parade was Presented by Weichert Realtors – Shaun & Shari Group. 

This year’s event featured an overall theme (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation) and awards for the best entries were presented. The People’s choice award winners were, 1st Rotary Club of Simpsonville, 2nd AC, Dance and Company and 3rd Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands

The 2021 parade route was changed from years past and ran north to south along N.E. & S.E. Main Street through downtown. The Presenting Sponsor was Weichert Realtors - Shaun & Shari Group, and their office was the starting point for the parade. The route change caused some confusion as some parade viewers set up seats along the traditional route north of the starting point. Beginning at Weichert realtors, the parade moved South to an ending point at S.E. Main Street and Loma Street at the King Tut Grill.

Fountain Inn Parade 

The Fountain Inn Christmas Parade was held on December 8 starting at 5:30. According to City Councilman Mack Blackstone, “This was one of the largest turnouts for a parade I have ever seen in Fountain Inn. A huge shout out to the Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce for pulling off a very successful parade and a big thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Christmas with us. I also want to recognize the Fountain Inn Fire Department for allowing the councilman to ride on top of the tower and thank the Fountain Inn Police Department for traffic control and providing a safe and protected area for the parade. We are very thankful and blessed to be from and live in Fountain Inn…there is no place like home.”

Awards were presented to: Most Enthusiastic: Dance Beyond and Younts Center. Most Christmas Spirit, Let Us Dance: Best Lighting and sound: United Community Bank

Mauldin Events

Pat Pomeroy, President/CEO of the Greater Mauldin Chamber of Commerce was excited to report festivities in Mauldin. 

“The Greater Mauldin Chamber Breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 4th was a big success.  Our sponsors helped make the day even more enjoyable with a wide variety of food.  There was a balloon artist and a cupcake decorating station.

Joe LaStringer with The Edge Entertainment read ‘The Night Before Christmas’ as everyone waited anxiously for Santa’s arrival.

Pomeroy continued, “The City of Mauldin’s Annual Christmas Parade on December 4th was also a big success.  The theme “Beachin’ Christmas” was fun as everyone in attendance watched our floats pass by with a beach theme.  Thousands of people were lining the streets in anticipation of seeing Santa arrive in his horse and carriage on a beautiful December day.  The Parade winners were State Farm/Cristina Ortiz and Hometown Realty.”■