Katie Button & Meherwan Irani to Serve as Grand Marshals for Asheville Holiday Parade

Local chefs, Katie Button and Meherwan Irani, to serve as Grand Marshals for the 76th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles

Applications now available.

The 76th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade, presented by Bojangles, rolls, dances and marches through Downtown Asheville on Saturday, November 19.

Local chefs and restaurateurs, Katie Button and Meherwan Irani, will serve as Grand Marshals. Button’s Curate and Irani’s Chai Pani were the recipients of prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards earlier this year. Curate was the recipient of the Outstanding Hospitality Award and Chai Pani was named Outstanding Restaurant.

The mission of the James Beard Awards is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability and a culture where all can thrive.

“We’re very excited to have Katie and Meherwan as our Grand Marshals this year. The James Beard Awards are a major international recognition, and both chefs have also long supported the Asheville community serving on boards and making generous donations to nonprofits and events,” said Meghan Rogers, executive director for the Asheville Downtown Association.

Parade entries include a little something for everyone with the Grand Marshal entry sponsored by Apple Tree Honda, decorated floats, adoptable pets from area rescue organizations, our Honored Veterans float sponsored by Deerfield, marching bands, performances, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, brought to you by the NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights. An application for entry in the parade is available here.

The parade’s official performance stop is located at the corner of Biltmore and Patton Avenues, but attendees will find great viewing areas all along Biltmore and Patton Avenues. The parade ends on Patton Avenue at S. French Broad.

Parking is available in City of Asheville and Buncombe County parking decks, as well as private decks and surface lots throughout downtown. Several streets are closed or impacted by the parade. Attendees are encouraged to ride ART public transit, bike or walk to the parade to ease congestion.

The Asheville Holiday Parade is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association, in partnership with the City of Asheville.

2022 sponsors include: Bojangles of WNC, Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, Apple Tree Honda, The North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights, Deerfield Retirement Community, Sun Soo Martial Arts, Kudzu Brands, A Look at Asheville, Kimpton Hotel Arras, WLOS ABC 13, My40, Star 104.3, 99.9 Kiss Country, Asheville Color & Imaging and IMA Photo & Images.