Large crowd celebrates holidays at Franklin parade | Entertainment

“It wasn’t the largest [parade], but it was the most diverse,” said Marta Eynatten, this year’s parade chair.  

The diverse lineup included dance groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops, the Tennessee Titans cheerleaders and mascot T-Rex, churches, vehicles, numerous civic and nonprofit organizations, commercial businesses, politicians and other businesses. Even the A+ Twirlers, a group of senior baton twirlers, and The Real Power Tool Team — dancing women wielding power tools — showed up. 

Before the parade kicked off, talented Williamson County students provided entertainment and spread a little Christmas cheer to those who showed up early to claim prime viewing spots along the parade route. Among the groups were Heritage Middle School’s VOX choir, the Ravenwood High School choir and the Brentwood High School jazz choir. Franklin High School cheerleaders got the crowd excited along Main Street. 

Rather than judge entries before the parade stepped off, judging took place during the parade. The entries were rated on their use of the parade theme, how they incorporated Christmas, originality and creativity. 

The annual Christmas parade was presented by Williamson Medical Center this year. It is the only fundraiser the Kiwanis Club of Historic Downtown Franklin holds, and funds raised provide scholarships for local high school students. Last year, 10 students received $1,000 scholarships.