Big 'Boro Weekend: (1) MTSU Graduation, (2) Bethlehem Marketplace, (3) Christmas Parade

(MURFREESBORO) It's an exciting and family friendly weekend ahead here in the Heart of Tennessee. After a 2-year COVID absense, Bethlehem Marketplace is back. Plus, there are two graduations Saturday at MTSU. And the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade goes down East Main Street at 2:00PM on Sunday.

MTSU Graduation

MTSU's fall commencement ceremonies take place at 9:00AM and again 2:00PM this Saturday in Murphy Center. it's always wonderful to honor the dedication and perseverance of 1,698 new graduates heading out into the world!

9:00AM: Blue Raider grads will come from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Behavioral and Health Science and College of Education.

2:00PM: The new alumni will come from the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, College of Liberal Arts, College of Media & Entertainment, and the University College.

Bethlehem Marketplace

This is the 38th reenactment at Southeast Baptist Church (708 Minerva Drive) this Saturday and Sunday (12/10-11/2022). Marketplace is a FREE walk-through drama re-enacting how the village of Bethlehem might have appeared the morning after the birth of Jesus. Its atmosphere and surroundings are those of 2000 years ago. It features characters in historical costumes such as Roman soldiers, prisoners, tent makers, weavers, merchants in shops, census-takers, and more. Live camels and other animals lend authenticity to the re-enactment, and twenty-first century items do not appear.

While you are waiting your turn in the sanctuary, you will be entertained with Christmas music from local school choirs, groups, individuals and videos.

Murfreesboro Christmas Parade

The annual Murfreesboro Christmas Parade starts at 2:00 o'clock this Sunday afternoon. Enjoy floats, musical acts, and, of course, Santa and his sleigh as they travel merrily down Main Street beginning at MTSU and ending at the Historic Downtown Square.

The weather forecast is great and you are invited to line the parade route and soak-in the spirit of the season. The parade is coordinated by Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department and will be on City TV 3.

WGNS is being spotlighted with Grand Marshals Lee Ann and Bart Walker. Lee Ann agreed to coordinate the parade for a short time so that this community could have a Christmas parade. That was in 1985. 35-years later, she welcomed youth and fresh ideas from Murfreesboro Parks.

Lee Ann noted, "I loved working with the many talented people in the Heart of Tennessee to create this annual event that has brought so many people together. Those 35-plus years flew quickly, and I will miss working with all of the wonderful people associated with this community event."