Press Release – Organizers recently announced Paul Coghlan has been named Grand Marshal for the 2017 Spirit of Christmas Lighted Parade which will take place Thursday, November 30th at 6:30 PM in Downtown Brownwood.

Paul has a long history of giving back to the community.  He is a longstanding board member at the Salvation Army and has served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters.   He serves on the G4S Community board where he helps with BBQ’s, plays Santa every year, and donates his time to help the boys in that facility.

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Paul has also played Santa Claus for hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and many parades for the last 20 years.   He has a bicycle ministry called “Born again Bicycles” where he takes old bicycles, restores them and gives them to needy children.

He volunteers for countless fundraisers in the community, cooking and serving the food to raise money for families, organizations and community events.

Paul has served as the City of Brownwood’s Health Inspector for the last 10 years.

This year’s parade is sponsored by Texas Rock Crusher Railway.

The parade will feature floats, vehicles, walkers, horses, classic cars, marching bands and more.

The Spirit of Christmas Lighted Parade will kick off a weekend of holiday events including the 9th annual Christmas Under the Stars Festival on Friday, December, 1st and Saturday, December 2nd sponsored by Brownwood Regional Medical Center.  The festival will include Santa Claus, “snow mountain,” big wheel races, carriage rides and several holiday themed activities.

For more information about the parade or festival, contact the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535 or visit BrownwoodChristmas.com.