Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The holiday season in Orange Beach will shine a little brighter this year as residents prepare for a unique community tradition. The Garner C. Tampary Memorial Foundation and the City of Orange Beach are teaming up once again to host a festive celebration. Their Merry Memories Tinsel Trail offers decorated trees, cheerful activities, and family fun. A highlight of the season will be a Golf Cart Christmas Parade designed to bring neighbors together while helping local families in need.

The 3rd Annual Merry Memories Tinsel Trail will take place at Orange Beach Waterfront Park, where Christmas trees will be on display through December 27th. As part of the celebration, organizers are planning a special Golf Cart Christmas Parade on Friday, December 12th. The event adds to a growing list of holiday activities that turn the park into a seasonal gathering spot for the community.

The Golf Cart Christmas Parade will begin at the empty lot next to the church on Bay Circle. From there, participants will ride together along a festive route through Waterfront Park, passing neighbors who are invited to come out and enjoy the lights. The lineup for golf carts will start at 5:45 p.m., giving drivers time to prepare before the parade officially rolls at 6:30 p.m. for viewers.

Event organizers emphasize that entry to the parade is completely free and open to everyone in the community. There are no registration fees or special requirements to join. Instead, each participant is simply asked to support the Christian Service Center by bringing donations. Suggested items include non holiday canned goods, pantry staples, household items, blankets, or coats.

The donations collected during the parade will go to the Christian Service Center, which helps individuals and families in need in the Orange Beach area. Organizers say combining holiday fun with charity is at the heart of the event. They describe it as a way to turn Christmas cheer into real support for neighbors who may be struggling. The hope is that a joyful night of lights and laughter will also make a quiet difference in local homes.

Residents are encouraged to get creative with their carts to match the spirit of the season. Organizers invite participants to “dress up your golf cart with lights, garland, ornaments, or anything that shows your Christmas cheer.” Bright displays, colorful decorations, and fun themes are all welcome on the parade route. The goal is to transform a simple line of carts into a moving Christmas display.

The Golf Cart Christmas Parade is being promoted as a small-town favorite that fits the character of Orange Beach. Organizers describe it as a chance for neighbors to gather in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. They say, “This is a community event made to bring people together and give back to Orange Beach in a meaningful way.” Families can ride, walk, or watch from the sidelines as the carts pass by.

Community leaders hope the event will strengthen local ties as well as holiday traditions. With the Tinsel Trail creating a backdrop of decorated trees and the parade adding music and lights, Waterfront Park is expected to feel like a seasonal village. Residents can stroll among the trees, visit with friends, and then watch the glowing carts as they circle through the park.

The Merry Memories Tinsel Trail itself offers another way for people to enjoy the holiday season. Trees decorated by families, businesses, and groups will stand on display at Orange Beach Waterfront Park until December 27th. Each tree is meant to reflect personal style or community pride, turning the park into a colorful, walk through exhibit during the Christmas season.

Organizers say the combination of the Tinsel Trail and the Golf Cart Christmas Parade creates a full holiday experience without any cost to attend. Entry is free for both participants and spectators, making it accessible for families of all sizes. The only request is that those who can bring donations to support the Christian Service Center’s ongoing work.

The Garner C. Tampary Memorial Foundation, which helps coordinate the event, is working closely with the City of Orange Beach to make sure everything runs smoothly. Together, they are inviting residents and visitors to take part. They hope people will see the parade not only as a fun night out, but also as a reminder of the importance of kindness and generosity during the holidays.

For more information about the Golf Cart Christmas Parade and the Merry Memories Tinsel Trail, organizers are directing the public to the event page online. Details about times, location, and suggested donations can be found on the website by clicking here.