Mark Your Calendars, Elves — The 89th Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade Is Coming!

Greetings of the MERRY kind!  I know the calendar is only about to flip to August, but you might want to start singing "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!" Plans have been unveiled for the 89th Annual Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade- where Kentucky starts Christmas.

First of all, be a good little elf and save this date- Saturday, November 21st! At 4:30pm that afternoon, the official whistle-blower will start the parade at the corner of 2nd Street and Pearl Street in downtown Owensboro. The theme of the 2026 parade is The Sounds of Christmas and participants are encouraged to decorate their floats around that idea.

Kena Betancur/Getty Images

Entry applications will open on Saturday, August 1st. Anyone or group interested in being part of the parade can enjoy Early Bird rates in effect from that date through midnight on Halloween (October 31st). Those Early Bird rates are as follows: $50 for nonprofit groups and $150 for commercial groups. Groups that miss the Early Bird deadline are still invited to join the parade from November 1st through November 11th. However, regular rates will apply.

Jane Head

Jane Head, who has worked with the Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade Committee for decades, says, "Be prepared for an experience of wonder with twinkling lights, clowns, bands, great music, SURPRISES, and, of course, Santa Claus!" Plus, we have learned the The Blue Bridge Boys, who recently won a national talent contest, will serve as the Grand Marshals.

Jeff Hausner

In addition to watching the parade live in person, you can also catch coverage on the Owensboro Times Facebook page. That coverage will be anchored by yours truly, Jane Head, and the Owensboro Times staff.

Chad Benefield/WBKR

Get our free mobile app

For more information about the 89th Annual Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade, you can follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram or visit the parade's official website.