CHRISTMAS PARADE RETURNS TO COOKEVILLE; Anonymous Organizers: “We Are a Nameless, Faceless Group That Loves Jesus”

November 21, 2025
by Clarissa Reaves-Williams

COOKEVILLE — A cherished Cookeville holiday tradition is officially returning. After days of speculation and countless community questions, Highlands Insider confirmed on Friday afternoon that the 2025 Cookeville Christmas Parade is back — revived by a quiet, anonymous group of local residents whose goal is simple: Remember the Reason.

Highlands Insider first received early indications late Monday night that a parade might be in the works. But without confirmation, the newsroom continued verifying throughout the week. On Friday, multiple independent sources provided the green light needed to officially report the news — and community calls began flooding in immediately.

Residents asked the same two questions:
 “Is the parade really happening?”
“Do you know who is organizing it?”

As with all stories, Highlands Insider maintains strict journalistic integrity:


We will never divulge a source.

Period. On-the-record or off-the-record, anonymous or named — source protection is a core newsroom principle.

“A Nameless, Faceless Group That Love Jesus”

The group behind the parade has intentionally chosen to remain anonymous. They do not want credit, attention, or recognition. Instead, they offered this simple description:

“We are a nameless, faceless group that love Jesus and want to make much of Him.
 We took our kids to Cookeville Christmas parades and want to do the same for our children.
 We want to honor the memories of Cookeville Christmas parades that we had.
 We love Jesus.”
On their website, they expand on that message with a heartfelt reflection on the Cookeville community:

“Cookeville has a long history of meeting hard moments with grace, compassion, and a genuine love for our neighbors. Today is no different.”“Christmas invites us to pause and breathe, to look past the noise and remember what anchors this season: hope, peace, forgiveness, and a love that restores.”
To them, a parade is more than floats and lights:

“It’s the sparkle in a child’s eyes.
 It’s families bundled in blankets, sipping hot chocolate.
 It’s neighbors standing shoulder to shoulder, choosing joy over division.”
Their hope is to give today’s children the same sweet parade memories they grew up cherishing — all centered around the true meaning of Christmas:

“The only agenda of the group is that much would be made of the reason for the Christmas celebration, Jesus Christ.”
And in their final message:

“Just as it was more than 2,000 years ago, all are welcome at the manger, where lasting peace and unfailing love are found.”

OFFICIAL 2025 PARADE THEME

“Remember the Reason”



SCHEDULE OF EVENTS — 2025 COOKEVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE


Friday, December 12 — 12:00 p.m.
Application Deadline
Late applications will not be accepted


Thursday, December 18
Participant Meeting
Time and location: TBD


Friday, December 19 — Parade Day
Line-up: 5:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m.
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.


Monday, December 22 — Rain Date
Line-up: 5:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m.
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.

HIGHLANDS INSIDER TO LIVESTREAM THE ENTIRE PARADE

Highlands Insider will serve as the official livestream announcement partner, giving families across the Upper Cumberland full access to the parade — even if they cannot attend in person.

The livestream will feature:

  • Complete real-time coverage

  • Close-up views of every float and walking group

  • Street-level commentary

  • Replay access for everyone

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

HOW WE CONFIRMED THE PARADE

Highlands Insider received early information Monday night but did not publish until full confirmation was obtained on Friday. We received multiple calls asking who was organizing the event. In keeping with newsroom standards, we reiterate:


Highlands Insider will never reveal a source.

This commitment protects the public, encourages open communication, and preserves trust.



“Remember the Reason”





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