2023 Christmas Parade & Tree-Lighting

Description

The City of Headland will light the Christmas tree at the gazebo at 6:00pm on the downtown square.  The Grand Marshal will lead the parade through the downtown area followed by bands, floats, queens, dignitaries, horses, Santa Claus, and CornDodgers Farm's candy cannon. The parade line-up will be at Douglas Park starting at 4:30pm and line up ends at 6:00pm. The Christmas Parade is sponsored by the Headland Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Headland. Participants need to complete the online registration by Tuesday, November 28th. Entry fee is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. For more information, contact the Chamber by email at director@headlandal.org. 

Miss Gail Defee announced as 2023 Parade Grand Marshal!

 
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Gail DeFee as the Grand Marshal for the 2023
Christmas Parade. Her commitment to community service and leadership is evident
through her involvement in various boards and committees. To mention a few: Headland
Chamber of Commerce, SpectraCare, National Peanut Festival, Hostess for the City of
Headland, and Henry County Farm City Week. As the Grand Marshal, she will bring
warmth and enthusiasm to the Christmas Parade, and the spirit of service to the
community.
“Miss” Gail is dedicated to her church, First Baptist Church, Headland, where she
contributes significantly as a member of the Stanley Williams Sunday School Class.
In 1995, the city of Headland celebrated the exceptional contributions of “Miss” Gail by
bestowing upon her the title of "Woman of the Year." This honor reflects not only her
outstanding achievements but also the profound impact she has had on the community.
Her commitment to service showcases her dedication to the betterment of Headland.
Entering her 19th year as the Director of the Burdeshaw-Solomon Senior Center, she
continues to exemplify dedication and commitment by serving the local senior
community. Throughout these years, she has fostered a welcoming and vibrant
environment at the center, creating a space where seniors can connect, engage, and enjoy
their golden years. Her continuing commitment to the well-being of the elderly has left a
mark on the community, as she tirelessly works to enhance the programs and services
offered. The center is fortunate to have her at the helm, steering with compassion and
dedication, and a deep understanding of the needs of the senior population.
“Miss” Gail's pride and joy extends beyond her own achievements as she embraces her
roles as mother, mother-in-love, grandmother, and great grandmother. Janna Klages (Dan)
and Janet Hughes (Joey) are fortunate to call her mother. Each having benefited from her
wisdom, love, and guidance. Her family has grown over the years with the addition of
two wonderful granddaughters, Hannah Klages Dyer (Cliff) and Hayley Klages
Hollowell (Freeland). They each cherish her love and support immensely.
Recently, she had two new additions to her family, Cameron Dyer and Ross Hollowell.
She dotes on her two precious great-grandsons and tries to spend as much time with them
as she can. The bond within the family reflects not only love but also a legacy of care and
values passed down through the generations.
“Miss” Gail would like to thank her family for their love and support, also the Headland
Chamber of Commerce and its Executive President, Adrienne Wilkins, for this honor. She
has been heard to say, “I am blessed to be a part of an organization that truly loves
Headland, Alabama.”