Black Mountain hosts 'rockin' downtown Christmas parade

Onlookers pack State Street for annual tradition

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
December 2, 2023

Grey skies and a light drizzle did not deter scores of onlookers from lining State Street, Dec. 2, as the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Christmas Parade.

The downtown procession featured dozens of Swannanoa Valley businesses, civic organizations, town officials, and entries aligning with the theme “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Led by Grand Marshal Bill Christy, who was forced to step down from his seat on the town council, due to health concerns, in September, the parade began at Flat Creek Road and traveled west to Cragmont Street, passing through the center of town. Christy was followed by current elected officials, including Mayor Mike Sobol and current town council members.

First responders from the Black Mountain Fire and Police Departments were among the entrants who threw candy to eagerly awaiting children along the route. Nonprofit organizations, including the Black Mountain Greenways and Trails Committee, the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry, Friends of the Black Mountain Library and more participated in the holiday event.

Owen High School was represented by the Warhorse Regiment Marching Band and its cheerleading team, which was carried by a Swannanoa Volunteer Fire Department truck. The final float in the procession carried Santa Claus into town.

The parade marked the culmination of a weekend of festivities kicking off the holiday season in Black Mountain, beginning with Holly Jolly, Dec. 1.

Photos of the 2023 Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.