City News

The Guntersville Christmas parade will be changed to a “Drive-Thru” parade. The spike in COVID-19 cases weighed heavily in the decision to modify the traditional Christmas parade and we also received very few applications. Our citizens’ well-being is of the utmost importance and we certainly do not want to increase the risk of exposing spectators, participants, people working the event (law enforcement & volunteers) and their families to this virus. The modified parade will allow spectators to remain in their vehicles and drive-thru to view Santa Claus and other entries. Spectators will not be allowed to exit their vehicles. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and helpers will be masked and gloved handing out candy to children as they drive by. The following is the parade route: The left lane of Blount Avenue at Scott Street will serve as the entrance to the drive-thru parade. Spectators will then loop around onto Gunter Avenue (remaining in the left lane). Santa and other entries will be set up in the left parking lane on Gunter (between the Chamber and Scott St). Scott Street will be closed to traffic. The right lanes on Gunter and Blount will remain open for normal traffic flow. The drive-thru parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 12 at 4:00pm and continues until 5:00pm. Street closures will begin at 3:00pm and line-up for participants is from 3:15pm. All participants will be required to wear masks and spectators are encouraged to do so as well. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled and not rescheduled. We will be reaching out to everyone who submitted an application this afternoon (Monday, December 7).

GREELEY, Colo. – Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $690,000 in Guntersville, Ala., to support the community’s future. Pilgrim’s has been working with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs in three key areas: food insecurity, community infrastructure and well-being, and COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts.

All projects will be determined by the end of the year. Community members may send suggested proposals for investment to hometownstrong@pilgrims.com.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with our community and make this significant investment,” said Cliff Rule, Pilgrim’s Guntersville Complex Manager. “Our focus during the past few months has been on the health and safety of our team members, and while that remains our priority it is also important to support our hometown during this time.”

“Guntersville is fortunate to have Pilgrim’s in our city,” said Guntersville Mayor Leigh Dollar. “It is nice to know we have a plant right here in our community doing so much to keep people with food, especially during a pandemic. Pilgrim’s is one of the largest employers in Guntersville and that makes a huge economic impact in our city and area. Pilgrim’s is a great community partner, and we are thankful to have them in Guntersville.”

The Pilgrim’s Guntersville production facility employs more than 1,400 people with an annual payroll of more than $52 million. The facility supports 196 growers, paying them more than $34 million per year for their livestock. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Guntersville has invested more than $42 million in capital improvements over the last five years.

Pilgrim’s anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 30 meat poultry and prepared foods facilities and employing 31,000-plus people in the United States. Nationally, the Hometown Strong initiative is a $20 million investment from Pilgrim’s, which is part of a $50 million nationwide contribution from JBS USA. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.