December 04, 2015
Kannapolis holiday festivities continue with the 77th Annual Cannon Pharmacy Kannapolis Christmas Parade on Dec. 12. Starting at 6 p.m., the parade begins at the intersection of Main St. and Dale Earnhardt Blvd., and concludes at the intersection of Vance and West Avenues. Thousands come out each year for this event, so make sure you get your spot early!
The parade grand marshal is Irene Edwards. A native of Cabarrus County she taught school for 30 years, 26 of which were at A. L. Brown High School. She is a charter member of West Point Baptist church where she still attends, having taught a Sunday school class for 70 years and held many positions over the years.
The City of Kannapolis will recognize Vietnam Veterans as part of the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. Vietnam Veterans will ride and walk in the parade. As part of this commemoration Joe Galloway will be a special guest in the parade. Joe Galloway who lives in Cabarrus County was a newspaper reporter who covered the Vietnam War and was awarded a bronze star for helping to rescue wounded American soldiers under fire during the battle at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley.
Reserved parking and refreshments for Vietnam veterans and their families will be available at the former Visitor’s Center located at 200 West Avenue. Veterans are asked to wear or bring items such as hats, medals, shirts designating military service. A reserved area for seating will be available at the Visitor’s Center for veterans – please bring a chair.
The parade is hosted by the Cabarrus Events Association and the City of Kannapolis. Cannon Pharmacy is the presenting sponsor of the event.