Horses, carriages to star in parade

Horse-drawn carriage parade

When: 1 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5

Where: Downtown Lebanon

Cost: Free

LEBANON — Buck, a 21-year-old white Percheron, is typically lax about his appearance. But when the weather turns chilly and his masters begin cleaning out his carriage, Buck knows it’s time to have a bath, get his mane brushed and get in shape for the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage parade.

“He thinks everybody comes to see him,” said Buck’s owner, Nancy Jackson of Maineville.

Buck and his equine brethren will be the center of attention as hooves clap and carriages roll through downtown Lebanon during the 21st annual Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade.

The parade is held twice, at 1 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, along Broadway in downtown Lebanon. More than 130 horse-drawn carriages will roll in the two parades, which last year drew 80,000 people, according to the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade attracts horses and carriages from several states and is one of the largest of its type in the country.

The parade is open to horses of all sizes. Dandy, a white-and-tan miniature horse, is gearing up for his second parade. He has participated four years ago, but is ready to get back on the road.

“He’s an old soul,” said his owner/driver Kathleen Girgis of Waynesville. “I’m sure he knows it’s important.”

Girgis and her daughter, Arielle, 5, will ride in a two-wheel, open-top carriage decorated with tinsel, garland and Christmas lights.

“We had to put on lots of bells so people could hear it,” said Arielle, who attends Incarnation preschool.

Nancy Jackson, who is a self-described “carriage-addict,” will be pulled in a four-wheel antique sedan with a canopy top that her husband and footman, Steve Cox, purchased.

The key concern for drivers of all horses, big or small, is staying warm during the often chilly temperatures.

Both Girgis and Jackson said they will come equipped with heavy coats and blankets to insulate themselves against the additional visit of Jack Frost.

“Lebanon’s is the best parade we’ve ever been in,” Jackson said. “It’s a special location and when the historic buildings are lit up at night, it’s incredible.”