Clarksville’s 18th annual Christmas on the Cumberland Opens

Clarksville, TN – Tuesday night, November 22nd, hundreds of people gathers at the McGregor Park RiverWalk and Museum for the grand opening ceremony of the City of Clarksville’s 18th annual Christmas on the Cumberland.

Just before the ceremony began, those in attendance were treated to Christmas Carols by the Rossview High School Choir.

“I thought the attendance tonight was great. What a wonderful crowd we had. The weather was just perfect,” said Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan. “Everybody was able to enjoy it in comfort as opposed to some of the rain we’ve had in the past.”

The Ceremony began with Mayor McMillan asking the Clarksville Parks and Recreation staff as well as the Clarksville Street Department staff to come up front so everyone could thank them for the work they put into getting the RiverWalk ready with the lights.

“We want to thank all of the staff at Parks and Recreation and the Street Department for all their hard work in getting these lights up and having it go on so that everybody in Clarksville can enjoy them.” stated Mayor McMillan.

Next was a great performance by the Acro Dance Express. Snowbird from Channel 4 arrived and gave a brief message. Finally, what most of the kids were waiting for, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus joined Mayor McMillan in flipping the switch and turning on the lights of Christmas on the Cumberland.

“I thought the event tonight was wonderful. Especially when all of the lights came on when we put the switch down. It was so wonderful,” said Mayor McMillan.

After the ceremony, Santa Claus took the time to visit with children, family and friends and to find out what the little ones wanted for Christmas.

Christmas on the Cumberland features displays with over one million lights along the McGregor Park RiverWalk. You can come down an enjoy the lights from now until January 1st, 2017. It is open 5:00pm until 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:00pm until 11:00pm Fridays and Saturdays.

[320left]Christmas on the Cumberland admission is free.

On December 10th and 17th, community organizations will lead seasonal crafts, dances, and activities at the McGregor Park museum from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

On December 10th, make a reindeer candy cane and candy cane bag to match! All materials provided. Limited quantities available. Enjoy free hot chocolate served by Grace Community Church Clarksville, TN and performances by Natalie’s Dance Network, The Dance Force LLC and Life in Technicolor. Food will be available for purchase on site by Big City Dogs.

On December 17th, decorate your own Christmas potholder! All materials provided. Limited quantities available. Enjoy free hot chocolate served by Frontier Basement Systems. Don’t miss performances by Acro Dance Express, The Dance Force LLC, Gateway Cast and Crowns and Life in Technicolor. Food will be available for purchase from the Fire & Ice food truck.

McGregor Park is located at 640 North Riverside Drive in Clarksville.