Grand Marshals and Special Guests Announced for the 2024 Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade

Santa's elves are hard at work preparing not just for Christmas Day, but also for a very special annual event "where Kentucky starts Christmas." Always held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this year the Owensboro Daviess County Christmas Parade will make its way down Second Street on November 23rd.

Longtime organizer Jane Head shared, "Our first parade was in 1936, and this year's theme is a Vintage Christmas. But we'll be looking to the future as well as celebrating Christmases past. A perfect example of this is who the parade board has chosen to lead the way as Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal.

Who is the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Owensboro Daviess County Christmas Parade?

If you listen to WBKR, you know this man quite well, Brian Smith. He and his lovely wife, Janice moved to Owensboro in 2005 when they purchased Diamond Lake Resort. He and his family worked hard to make it a special place for all who visited the area. He most recently participated in The Great Race, an impressive 2,300 mile vintage car rally that spans nine days. The starting line this year was right here in Owensboro.

Brian and his navigator Scott Howard crossed the Gardiner, Maine finish line in Brian's gorgeous 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan. That's what he will be driving as Grand Marshal of the 2024 Owensboro Daviess County Christmas parade.

"This is the first time I've ever been so honored to be named Grand Marshal for any parade," stated Smith. "The Christmas Parade is one of the largest events in the tri-state. I'm very humbled."

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Who is the Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2024 Owensboro Daviess County Christmas Parade?

What better way to look to the future and the joy of Christmas than to celebrate the young ladies of Girls Incorporated Owensboro?  Executive Director Tish Correa Osborne said, "The Christmas parade is a highlight for so many of the girls we serve. I know they are so excited to join as Honorary Grand Marshals this year.

There will also be some special guests for the Owensboro Daviess County Christmas Parade. Jailer of the Year, Art Maglinger of the Daviess County Detention Center, and driver/conductor of Santa's train, Rex Marsh. Can't forget to mention the big man himself! Be sure to bring Santa your letters when you come to watch the parade.

There is still plenty of time to get involved whether you would like to sponsor, enter a float, be a vendor, or volunteer. I am on the board this year, and we are still looking for help to keep this parade the largest and certainly most festive in the region. Visit the Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade Facebook page or website for more information. If you want to take advantage of Early Bird pricing, apply before October 31st! We Ho-Ho-Hope to see you there!