LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., and first lady Britainy Beshear are ready for an evening of festive fun as they ring in the holidays.  

Kentucky’s first family announced plans for the 75th annual Frankfort Christmas Parade, set to occur Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. EST, before the state’s Christmas tree lighting. The parade will begin on High Street, making its way up Capital Avenue by police escort. The governor and first lady will greet guests behind the Capitol, in front of the Annex, before Santa Claus arrives on the parade’s final float. Santa and the first family will then light the state tree, with the event set to conclude between 8 and 8:30 p.m. EST. 

Those wishing to attend can view the parade from the Capitol’s South Lawn, behind the Capitol building and in front of the Capitol Annex. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 6 p.m. EST, and Capital Avenue will close to traffic at 5:30 p.m. EST.

“Britainy and I are proud to call Frankfort our home and we’re excited to take part in the Christmas parade with the entire community,” said Gov. Beshear in a news release. “We hope Team Kentucky can join us for food, games and more, and also help us collect donations for folks needing a little extra help this Christmas season.” 

As part of the event, the first lady will collect new, unwrapped stuffed animals and journals for ZeroV, Kentucky’s coalition of domestic violence shelters. All donations will directly benefit domestic violence programs, providing shelter and support to Kentuckians. 

Food trucks such as All Thai’d Up, Community Que, The Flying Waffle and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee will be on site, along with beverages from Sig Luscher Brewery. The event’s main stage will be between the Capitol and Capitol Annex buildings, which will host those judging the parade’s entrants, emcees, DJs and other personnel.

The Frankfort Plant Board’s Facebook and YouTube pages will stream the parade.