Merry & Bright in Paulding

By: Julie Anna Densmore

Paulding – Paulding’s Town Square was full of Christmas spirit on Monday, December 1, as the annual Merry & Bright Parade stepped off in an already snow-covered village. The night was straight out of an idyllic small-town Christmas scene: the courthouse, storefronts, and park shimmered with decorations, and just as the parade began at 6:00 p.m., fresh snow started to fall and continued throughout the procession, adding a touch of Christmas magic to the evening.

Families bundled up along Jackson Street with hot cocoa in hand as a procession of 22 groups, organizations, and local businesses made their way from St. Paul Lutheran Church down to the Post Office. Children waved excitedly as participants tossed candy along the snowy streets and visited with Santa by the roaring fire at a sparkling Herb Monroe Park.

CoRP (Community Revitalizing Paulding) organizes the parade each year, along with the festive lighting around the Courthouse Square. This year, the Paulding High School football team and coaches volunteered their time to help CoRP hang Christmas lights downtown; an effort warmly appreciated by the organization for the team’s service and commitment to the community.

The parade followed a busy couple of weeks of holiday activities in Paulding. The Historical Society’s week-long Festival of Trees at the Paulding County Historical Museum drew visitors from across the region, while the Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce’s Shop the Village event encouraged residents and visitors to explore local businesses. Together with Monday night’s snow-filled parade, these events created a joyful and energetic start to the Christmas season.

CoRP extends its thanks to all participants, volunteers, and community members who helped make this year’s Merry & Bright Parade another memorable community celebration.