A Morganton tradition that has drawn families to the sidewalks for half a century returns next month, with the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center set to host its 50th annual Holiday Parade at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2026. The milestone event carries the theme “50 Years of Holiday Traditions,” marking the parade's 50th annual edition.
The announcement came Thursday from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
, which said residents and staff at the developmental center are inviting the entire community to enjoy the parade as it celebrates the anniversary. According to the announcement, this year's parade is expected to include marching bands, fire trucks, decorated floats, and a visit from Santa Claus, the same core lineup that has anchored the event in years past.
A Tradition Rooted in 1975
The 2026 event is billed as the parade's 50th annual edition at the state-operated facility. J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center serves people with intellectual disabilities and operates within the NCDHHS Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities, according to the agency's own description of the campus.
The parade's long history has made it a fixture of the local holiday calendar well beyond the center's own grounds. A 2025 roundup from Discover Burke County described the event as being in its 49th year at the time, calling it part of the area's broader slate of holiday parades and light displays.
How Recent Years Have Looked
A 2025 roundup described the parade as being in its 49th year. The year before that, the 2024 parade was billed as the 48th annual edition and also kicked off at 3 p.m., featuring marching bands, fire trucks, decorated floats, and an appearance by Santa Claus, Cardinal & Pine reported at the time.
That same report noted the center had planned to illuminate its campus nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through the end of December following the 2024 parade. Whether similar lighting plans, a grand marshal, or other attractions will accompany this year's 50th anniversary parade has not been detailed in the center's current announcement.
What's Confirmed for December 3
For now, the confirmed details are straightforward: the parade steps off at 3 p.m. on December 3, with marching bands, fire trucks, floats, and Santa Claus expected to take part, per the NCDHHS announcement. The agency's post invites area residents to come out and join staff and residents of the developmental center in marking the half-century milestone together.
