Concord to Honor Bill Dusch and J.C. McKenzie at 98th Annual Christmas Parade

The City of Concord has officially set the stage for its 98th annual Christmas parade, announcing that former Mayor Bill Dusch will serve as Grand Marshal and former City Council Member J.C. McKenzie will join the procession as the event’s special guest. This year’s celebration, presented by Eli Lilly, is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, at 2:30 p.m., marking another chapter in one of North Carolina’s most enduring downtown traditions.

For the thousands of residents who line the streets each year, the parade is more than just a seasonal spectacle; it is a community anchor that draws more than 20,000 visitors to the heart of the city. As reported by the City of Concord, the festivities will stretch over a two-mile route, beginning at the intersection of Church Street and Lake Concord Road, winding through Buffalo Avenue and Union Street, and concluding at the intersection of Union Street and Corban Avenue.

A Legacy of Local Leadership

The choice of Bill Dusch as Grand Marshal reflects a deep-rooted connection to the city he led for eight years. A lifelong resident of Concord, Dusch’s relationship with the parade spans decades—from his childhood spent watching the marchers to his years riding on the Concord Fire Department’s 1963 Seagraves Engine alongside fellow council members. His tenure as mayor, which ran from 2017 to 2025, was defined by an active presence in the community, including his participation in the annual Santa Scramble 5K runs that utilize the parade route.

It is a true honor that I will cherish, Dusch said of his selection as Grand Marshal.

Beyond his public office, Dusch has maintained a wide-reaching footprint in local civic life, serving on boards for the Cabarrus Arts Council and the Artium Cabarrus Healthcare Foundation. His commitment to the region is matched by a personal history of endurance; he and his wife, Debbie, have completed full marathons in all 50 states and across six continents, with a final trip planned for 2027.

Championing Housing and Community Growth

While Dusch anchors the parade’s ceremonial front, the inclusion of J.C. McKenzie highlights the city’s recent focus on economic stability and housing accessibility. Elected to the City Council in 2017, McKenzie served two terms, during which he became a primary architect of the city’s approach to affordable housing. His work culminated in the 2019 establishment of the Concord Family Enrichment Association, now known as WeBuild Concord. This nonprofit initiative has provided a pathway to homeownership for more than 170 individuals, a legacy that continues under his role as Board Chair Emeritus.

For McKenzie, the invitation to serve as the parade’s special guest serves as a bookend to his time on the dais. He previously received the Keys to the City during the December 2025 City Council meeting, but he noted that this recognition by his former peers carries a distinct personal weight.

It is truly a special honor to be recognized by the peers you have worked with for two terms. This is something I will remember for the rest of my life, McKenzie said regarding the honor.

Logistics and Community Participation

The event is a coordinated effort involving current leadership as well. Mayor Steve Morris and the sitting City Council will participate in the parade aboard the historic 1963 Seagraves Engine, pausing at the judges’ stage located at Union Street and Barbrick Avenue to present formal proclamations to both Dusch and McKenzie. This public acknowledgment serves to highlight the continuity of governance in Concord, linking the current administration’s efforts with the contributions of those who preceded them.

97th Concord Christmas Parade

For those unable to attend the procession in person, the City of Concord has announced plans to livestream the event on its official YouTube channel, with a recording to be archived for later viewing. The parade follows the city’s 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is slated for the preceding evening, Friday, November 20, at 6 p.m. Additional details regarding logistics and event updates can be found at the official city portal.

As the city prepares to welcome thousands to its downtown corridor, the parade serves as a reflection of the demographic and economic shifts Concord has managed over the last decade. By honoring figures who shaped the city’s recent infrastructure and social policy, the event acknowledges that the magic of the season is sustained, in part, by the quiet, persistent work of local governance.