Local business owner and longtime Vicksburg advocate Joyce Clingan has been named grand marshal of Downtown Vicksburg’s Christmas Parade of Lights, which will celebrate the 2024 holidays with a theme of “The Nutcracker.”

This year’s parade will jingle through downtown Sunday, Dec. 8, beginning at 5 p.m.

Clingan is the owner of Walnut Hills restaurant and a longtime advocate for downtown Vicksburg and the Vicksburg Main Street Program. She is a member of the Vicksburg Heritage Guild and was honored in 2022 by the Mississippi Main Street Association as a “Main Street Hero.”

Area clubs, churches, organizations, schools, bands, drill teams, individuals, and businesses are invited to participate in this year’s community event. The deadline to apply is Nov. 27. Parade application packets can be downloaded from the Vicksburg Main Street website at www.vicksburgmainstreet.com, by contacting the program directly at 601-634-4527 or by emailing kimh@vicksburg.org.

Organizers said this year’s theme allows participants to create floats of pure imagination, from sugar plum fairies, soldiers, waltzing flowers, snow queens, or even mouse kings. “The Nutcracker” will set the scene as parade-goers light up the night with this classic Christmas fairytale, organizers said.

“Whether you are entering a float or making plans for yourself, family or friends, we can’t wait to see you all in downtown Vicksburg for another magical Christmas parade of lights,” said Kim Hopkins, executive director of the Vicksburg Main Street Program.