CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Center will be open on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to support the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Holiday Parade and festivities on Franklin Street.

The parade runs from 10 a.m. to noon, beginning at the Morehead Planetarium & Science Center, running along East and West Franklin Street and West and East Main Street in Carrboro, ending at the Town Hall & Commons.
The Visitors Bureau invites all residents to drop in, have some hot apple cider and pick up a free packet of visitors information, which includes helpful hints on how to entertain visiting friends and family over the holiday season. As the parade passes, you’ll also have a front-row seat for all the many participants.

This year’s parade will feature nearly 2,000 participants, with nearly 100 vehicles, including floats sponsored by local businesses and church and community organizations. There will also be elected officials and area dignitaries, the Chapel Hill and Carrboro Fire Departments, a number of area high school marching bands with cheerleaders and, of course, the crowd favorite—Santa Claus—riding his sleigh.

Entries will have a holiday theme and awards will be given for Best of Parade, Most Original, Best Holiday Theme, Most Creative and Best Scout Troop. The parade is sponsored by the Chapel Hill Jaycees.

The Visitors Center is located in downtown Chapel Hill at 501 West Franklin Street, on the southwest corner of West Franklin and South Roberson Streets. Parking is available in the lot behind the Bentley Building, headquarters of the visitors center.

This year, the Visitors Center has put up its 10-foot holiday tree, which is adorned with many ornaments that were donated by a number of local organizations and residents. 
 
For those looking for holiday gift ideas, the Visitors Bureau also sells an assortment of merchandise, which includes T-shirts and caps with Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough logos, cuddly soft teddy bears, note cards, bags and other items.
 
For more information, contact the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau at (919) 968-2060 or visit us at www.visitchapelhill.org.