Get ready for a magical journey into the heart of the North Pole! The City of Pickens’ Christmas Parade will be held Friday, December 6 at 7 p.m. on Main Street. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop” – a magical journey into the heart of the North Pole. Get ready to be enchanted by floats showcasing scenes from Santa’s busy workshop, where elves are hard at work crafting toys, reindeer are preparing for their big night, and Santa’s sleigh is loaded with gifts, ready for its flight around the world. Each float will offer a unique glimpse of the Christmas magic we all love! Come celebrate the spirit of the season with us at the Pickens Christmas Parade. The parade will start at Legacy Square and conclude at Pickens Presbyerian Church.
The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2024 Pickens Christmas Parade Grand Marshal is Betty McDaniel, a lifelong resident of Pickens, a distinguished educator, cultural preservationist, and community leader. Her passion for preserving Appalachian heritage and enriching the lives of local residents has made her a beloved figure in the region. In 2008, Betty founded the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAMS) program at Holly Springs Elementary School, introducing children to their musical heritage through traditional Appalachian instruments such as the fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and banjo. Under her leadership, the YAM program has grown to serve more than 400 students across Pickens County, preserving the rich traditions of Southern Appalachian music. Betty also co-founded Preserving Our Southern Appalachian Music (POSAM), a nonprofit supporting YAM’s mission. Recognized for her efforts with the prestigious Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award, Betty’s legacy reflects her unwavering dedication to community, education, and cultural preservation.