The Triangle has 4 holiday parades on Saturday. What to know if you go.

Staff report
·3 min read

Christmas parade season is in full swing in the Triangle, with several towns scheduled to hold holiday parades this weekend.

Following last month’s Raleigh Christmas Parade, when an 11-year-old dancer was struck and killed by a car, some organizers have announced new safety guidelines for participants.

Here’s a look at Saturday’s events.

▪ Holly Springs: Dec. 10, 10 a.m.

▪ Knightdale: Dec. 10, 11 a.m.

▪ Cary: Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

▪ Clayton: Dec. 10, 3 p.m.

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

Cary’s parade starts at 2 p.m. at East Chatham Street at Ward Street.

Route: It will go down East Chatham Street, hook a left onto South Academy Street and end in front of the Cary Arts Center.

Road closings: The following will shut down from 1 to 4 p.m.:

  • East Chatham Street (From South Academy to the traffic circle by Urban Park)

  • South Academy Street (between East Chatham Street and Dry Ave)

  • East and West Circle Drive

  • East Cedar Street (between North Walker and Ward streets)

  • Ward Street

  • Hunter Street

  • Dry Ave (From South Harrison Avenue to South Academy Street)

The town announced the following safety protocols:

  • The police and fire departments will inspect brakes of cars and trailers before the parade and go over safety protocols with drivers. Drivers must bring their latest inspection report.

  • Candy may no longer be thrown to spectators to keep them from running into the street. Parade walkers must walk along the sidewalk to hand out candy.

  • No more than 16 people will be allowed on any float, and no more than 12 on a professional float.

Information: caryjaycees.org/parade.

Holly Springs

The Happy Holly Springs Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Route: Organizers say the parade route has been extended with the start at the intersection of North Main Street and Oakhall Drive, near the Food Lion shopping center. This is further north than in previous years. The parade will continue down Main Street, through downtown Holly Springs, ending at Oak Avenue.

While there are places to view the parade along the entire route, the town recommends front-row seats along the Main Street sidewalk north of Holly Springs Road. There will be parking with a view of the parade in this shopping center.

Roads close to traffic at 8 a.m.

The town outlined the following safety measures:

  • The town is adding more traffic barriers along the parade route that will “provide an additional barrier between vehicles in the parade and people viewing the parade.”

  • Participants are not allowed to throw items or candy. Candy may be passed out.

Information: hollyspringsnc.gov/270.

Clayton

The town of Clayton said it worked with the Clayton Rotary Club, the parade organizers, to review safety standards for the parade at 3 p.m. on Dec. 10.

Route: The parade starts and ends at Clayton High School. It will first travel up Robertson Street and then will make a right on Main Street. It will turn right on Smith Street before making another right on Second Street. It will make a left on Fayetteville Street before heading back to the school.

Public viewing areas are on Robertson, Main and Second streets.

Organizers said the following safety measures will be taken:

▪ The police department will verify registration and driver’s licenses for any vehicles in the parade and confirm drivers are at least 18.

▪ Large groups of walkers will be placed throughout the lineup.

▪ Candy or other favors cannot be thrown from floats or vehicles. Instead, they can be passed by those walking on the street.

Info: claytonchristmasparade.org.

Knightdale

The parade is at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Route: The parade begins on First Avenue near Knightdale Station Run. It will travel to the intersection of First Avenue and Fayetteville Street where participants will disperse.

There will be food trucks at spots along the route.

Roads closures:

  • Knightdale Station Run beginning at 8:30 a.m.

  • First Avenue from Knightdale Station Run past Fayetteville Street beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Info: facebook.com/KnightdaleNC

2022 Holiday Event Guide: Parades, Christmas concerts & more across the Triangle