Elaine Painting named grand marshal of Carrollton’s 2025 Christmas parade

A longtime Carrollton woman has the honor of serving as the grand marshal of Carrollton’s 2025 Christmas parade set for Saturday, Nov. 29. 

Elaine Painting, who retired earlier this year after 44 years of service with Ashton’s Ben Franklin Store, will ride in a vehicle driven by her son, Darrell Shafer. 

A Country Christmas is this year’s theme for the event, sponsored by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. 

Lineup for walking groups and small vehicles up to pickup-truck size will be on Third Street NE, entering off Park Avenue while vehicles larger than a pickup must line up at the Carroll County Fairgrounds, using the north gate by the Ashton Event Center instead of the main entrance by the Friendship Center. 

Chamber officials said Second Street SW between the Square and South High Street will be closed for food trucks and kids’ activities, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and hot chocolate from 4-8 p.m., along with candy canes served following the parade, which will be filmed by a drone this year. 

The Carrollton downtown window winners will be revealed at 5 p.m. prior to the parade, according to Chelsa Slutz, Chamber director.