ALBEMARLE – Claude Harwood will serve as Grand Marshal for the City of Albemarle’s Christmas Parade, which is set to be held on Saturday, December 10, at 4 pm in downtown Albemarle.
Harwood, a native of Albemarle, has served the people of Stanly County for 70 years as a florist, sharing his talents with generations of families for all varieties of occasions.
Harwood has earned honors in regional, state, national, and international floral design competitions and was chosen four times to decorate the White House for the holidays. At the age of 90, he continues to work as a florist at Blooms Royale flower shop, which is located in downtown Albemarle.
Harwood was selected as the 2022 Albemarle Christmas Parade Grand Marshal after being nominated by members of the community.
Members of the public, who wish to participate in the Albemarle Christmas Parade, can do so by entering a float and signing up at www.albemarlenc.gov/christmasparade.
The cutoff date for parade entries is Wednesday, November 30.