Festive lineup
The Rocky Top Christmas parade makes its way along North Main Street in this file photo from the 2023 event. - G. Chambers Williams III
As the 2024 holiday season moves into high gear, Christmas parades are scheduled next week in Clinton, Norris and Rocky Top, with the Oak Ridge parade the following weekend. Rocky Top will have its Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. next Thursday, Dec. 5, at City Hall, followed at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, by the Christmas parade. Then on Saturday, Dec. 7, both Norris and Clinton will hold their Christmas parades. Clinton’s traditional parade of bands, floats, dancers, local artists and more will proceed up Market Street then down Main Street beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “Christmas at the Movies.” In Norris, the Christmas parade also begins at 6 p.m., following the Norris Winter Festival, which will be held from 1-6 p.m. in the downtown area. Also on Friday, Dec. 6, the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department will hold its community Christmas tree lighting, beginning at 6 p.m. in A.K. Bissell Park. Then on Saturday, Dec. 14, Oak Ridge’s Christmas parade will begin at 6 p.m. Its theme this year is “Home for the Holidays.” It will form at Corporate Center (151 Lafayette Drive) and turn West onto the Oak Ridge Turnpike, then proceed to the Oak Ridge High School area. Oliver Springs will round out the Christmas parade season this year beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Also scheduled in downtown Clinton on Dec. 14 is the annual Holiday Market, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read More‘Shop Small Saturday’ entices Yule shoppers
Shoppers at Hoskins in the Flat in Historic Down- town Clinton take advantage of Small Business Saturday during last year’s event, - G. Chambers Williams III
Patronizing small businesses is encouraged year-round, but that theme is at the forefront of this weekend’s “Shop Small Saturday” event. The goal is to boost small businesses on the busiest holiday shopping weekend of the year. Clinton’s Shop Small Saturday is promoted this year by the Historic Downtown Clinton organization. But it is among similar events nationwide, called Small Business Saturday, celebrated every year on Thanksgiving weekend. Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010, and has officially been co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011. “Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season,” the SBA says.
Read MoreMcBride gives Christmas bonus as last act on council
Jim McBride, as his last act on the Clinton City Council, made a motion for a $1,000 Christmas bonus for each city employee. Council member David Queener seconded, and the measure passed unanimously among the members present. Mayor Scott Burton was absent, and Vice Mayor Larry Gann presided over the meeting. The council also passed a resolution honoring McBride. Both the council and the audience applauded. “I’m not mad; I’m happy — it’s just one of those things, it’s time,” McBride said about his decision not to run again. He thanked and praised the city staff before making the motion. McBride said the bonuses will cost around $141,000. The money will come from the city’s $8.4 million unassigned fund balance. The council also unanimously voted to have Council member Rob Herrell replace McBride on the Clinton Utilities Board.
Read MoreClinton City Schools named ‘exemplary’
The Tennessee Department of Education has recognized Clinton City Schools as “exemplary,” its highest level of distinction. Just nine other schools received this designation for the 2023-24 school year. An official state news release explains how the state decides this honor. Each year, schools and districts are eligible for designations based on their overall performance across several indicators. They include how the schools prepared students to be proficient accelerated student learning, encouraged students to attend school regularly, prepared students for postsecondary success, and supported English learners acquiring language skills. All three individual Clinton City Schools: Clinton Elementary, North Clinton Elementary, and South Clinton Elementary, received reward school status, which is the highest honor given by the state Department of Education, based on federal accountability.
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News
Festive lineup Read More
McBride gives Christmas bonus as last act on council Read More
Downtown Clinton receives broadband grant from TN ECD Read More
Rocky Top council defers ordinance to accommodate tiny homes Read More
Commission wants regional fire academy in county Read More
Sports
Mavs cast out Devils Read More
Clinton basketball makes strong start Read More
Lady Mavericks struggle in opener Read More
Lady Dragons show fight despite early losses Read More
Oak Ridge dominates East Hamilton Read More
Lady Wildcats rally past Lebanon Read More
Wildcats cruise to 79-59 victory over Lebanon in Hall of Fame Game Read More
Lady Senators building toward future Read More
Top-tier schedule challenges Mavericks as season starts Read More
Jefferson Lady Eagles show promise despite 1-4 start Read More
Lady Rams drop heartbreaker Read More
Ava Moody reflects on teamwork, family support in cross-country journey Read More
Lady Mavericks stay perfect with two wins Read More
Rams seeks reset after tough loss Read More
Community
Meeting Briefs Read More
Habitat works on house Read More
Season of giving: A time for gratitude and empathy Read More
School
Clinton City Schools named ‘exemplary’ Read More
Kaycee Baldwin signs with Bryan College Read More
Anderson County High inducts five into Hall of Fame Read More
Under construction Read More
Little Learning Lab for pre-K children in full swing Read More
Lake City students show giving spirit Read More
Business
‘Shop Small Saturday’ entices Yule shoppers Read More
Trackside Antiques sets grand opening Read More
Norris boat facility property auctioned Read More
Mortgage lender returns ‘home’ Read More
Photo Galleries
Anderson County vs. Clinton Tennis at Jaycee Park View
Anderson County High School Homecoming View
Faces at the Fair View
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