Gadsden Mayor touts busy holiday season, parade turnout and downtown attractions
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Summary
Mayor Craig Ford recapped the city's Christmas parade and holiday attractions, saying the parade drew "almost 110 entries," the downtown ice rink and tree have attracted steady visitors, and the city used Placer AI and TV coverage to track tourism and outreach. He noted portions of the tree were paid with state grants; exact costs were not specified.
Mayor Craig Ford said the city’s holiday events drew large crowds and boosted tourism, highlighting the recent Christmas parade, downtown ice skating and a large decorated tree.
"We just completed the Christmas parade, had almost 110 entries," Ford said, adding that judges from city staff and commentators from WBRC/FOX Weather and DGI helped with coverage. The parade will be rebroadcast on channel 99 so residents who could not attend can watch, he said.
Ford said the city used Placer AI to analyze where visitors came from and that it has drawn people from surrounding parts of Alabama and neighboring states, increasing tourism dollars to Gadsden. He said the city is already planning next year’s parade and held an after-action review to identify improvements.
The mayor described downtown holiday features — a skating rink and a deck around a large Christmas tree — and said the tree was paid for partly with state grants (about half). "We've already made our money back," Ford said; he did not provide a precise cost for the tree. He said ice-skating sessions cost $10 per skater.
Ford also promoted "Christmas at the Falls," reporting record attendances, expanded food vendors, a petting barn attraction and steps to ease long lines such as adding photo characters and improving transportation to the site.
The mayor encouraged residents to share ideas and report issues using the Hey Gadsden app, saying public input helps shape events and services. He closed by reminding residents of a State of the City address planned for February and wishing the community a merry Christmas and happy new year.