Christmas parade denies both Pride, Republican groups from participating to ‘minimize distraction’ from Jesus

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) — Organizers of a Christmas parade in Tennessee denied both Pride and Republican groups permission to participate in the event because organizers said they wanted to “minimize distraction” from Jesus.

The organizers of the Cookeville Christmas Parade sent denial letters to Upper Cumberland Pride as well as the Putnam County Young Republicans.

“Our intent is not to exclude any individuals from this event but rather to focus attention on the meaning of the Christmas holiday,” an email from the parade organizers said. “We think there’s an important role for special interest groups, but the Christmas parade is not it.”

In response to receiving a denial letter, Upper Cumberland Pride wrote on Facebook, “We’re saddened that the parade organizers went the route they went with. However, we look forward to continuing to serve everyone in 2026. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.”

The parade organizers said the event was planned with “stated prohibitions on special interest groups.”

Commenters on Facebook criticized the decision, with some saying that it does not follow Christian values such as “love thy neighbor.” Others called for there to be a more inclusive holiday parade next year that would represent all faiths.

“We know it is inevitable that not everyone will agree with this decision,” parade organizers said. “In years past, there has been a lot of emotion, understandably, tied to these same decisions. 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, and love.”

The Cookeville Christmas Parade is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m., and this year’s theme is “Remember the Reason,” according to the parade website.