(MURFREESBORO)  The community showed-up for Murfreesboro’s 2023 Christmas Parade in record breaking numbers. An estimated 60,000 lined historic East Main Street and people were solid around the Murfreesboro square.  When the parade began at 2:00 o’clock Sunday (12/10/2023) afternoon, it was partly cloudy and 48 degrees.

Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Rachel Springer said, “The theme of the parade was Christmas Magic, and there were over 130 entries in this year’s parade.”

Murfreesboro's 2023 Grand Marshal is Dr. Gloria Bonner.  Prior to retiring from MTSU, she has spent 44 years in education. Thirty-two of those years in academic and administrative roles at Middle Tennessee State University.

Bonner has dedicated a huge percentage of her life to not only education, but also to volunteering with a long list of local non-profits that better our community. 

MTSU’s Dean Emeritus Dr. Gloria Bonner is always sharing time and talent with groups like the Murfreesboro Rotary Club where she served as president. In addition, she is very involved with Antioch Primitive Baptist Church and helped create a partnership between two downtown congregations. Dr. Bonner serves on the Journey Home’s board as well as Main Street Murfreesboro.

The winners in the various entry categories will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Cannonsburgh Drive-Through Christmas Lights - And remember, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department's FREE drive-through Christmas lights is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 5:00 - 8:00PM, weekends now through Dec. 17, 2023. Cannonsburgh is at 312 S. Front Street. 

Plus, the New Year's Day 5K run (or walk) starts at 10:00AM at Barfield-Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Parkway. There is a $30 fee, and you must register by 8:00PM on Dec. 31, 2023. The race is limited to 500 entries and your speed is electronically timed.  Go here to sign-up:  https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/TN/Murfreesboro/NewYearsDay5k