​What started as way to put the historic town of Lisbon (a town tucked in the far corner of Howard County, Maryland’s rural west) back on the map is now an annual holiday tradition and one of the most attended small town Christmas parades in the state. It is also when the local equine and agricultural communities gather to take part in one of Maryland’s biggest fundraisers to feed the hungry.

The parade highlights the true meaning of community – the spirit of people from all walks of life who gather to give to those in need. Thousands of people will come together on Dec. 8 to take part in and/or watch the parade along the 1-mile swath the historic national road to enjoy watching beautiful horses and tractors (with lots of horse power) stroll down Frederick Road, Lisbon’s “Main Street.”

Now in its ninth year, the parade has brought in well over $65,000 in donations to the local food banks – Howard County Food Bank and Carroll County Food Sunday – plus Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry and the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company (which is conducting a fundraising campaign to build a new facility to be completed in 2019).

More than $15,000 was raised at the 2017 Lisbon Christmas Parade through the generous support of parade participants, and sponsors and spectators! These funds were presented to the beneficiaries at the April 12 Howard County Farm Bureau’s Annual Legislative Dinner. Both food banks received $5,000, while $2,000 was presented to both LVFC and FHFH.

For some, the parade is a chance to showcase their tractors and horses; for the spectators, it’s a chance to get out to Howard County’s rural west to watch  tractors make their way down the historic national road followed by hundreds of horses, to enjoy the day’s fun-filled festivities.  

But for those who often go hungry, it means so much more.

Things to Note for the 2018 Parade: The parade begins at 12:00 noon. Arrive early to secure parking and the best spot along the parade route. Route 144 and nearby roads along the parade route will be closed at 11:30 am.   After the parade: All are invited to attend the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Company’s Chicken & Ham Dinner fundraiser.  Do your holiday shopping and take a “Reindeer Ride” at Days End Farm Horse Rescue Santa’s Village! Want to learn more about the 2018 parade, where to park, about the parade route?  Visit www.LisbonChristmasParade.com. ​​​

The 2017 Great Lisbon FARMERS FEED THE HUNGRY Christmas Parade presented by the Howard
County Farm Bureau held on December 9 was a grand success!

Seasonal Weather

The snow added such merriment to the annual Christmas Parade which brought together over
1,500 people – parade participants and spectators – to the charming historic Town of Lisbon sitting
toward the edge of Western Howard County.

Led by local farmers driving their festively decorated tractors hauling wagons full of spirited
people, followed by seasonally adorned horse drawn carriages, and saddle horses trotting up
Lisbon’s “Main Street” – the holiday parade with a mission to feed the hungry went off without a
hitch!

Feeding the Hungry

Thanks to a generous community, over 2,000 pounds (one ton) of nonperishable food was donated
on-site along the 2017 parade route and evenly distributed the two food banks - Howard County
Food Bank and Carroll County Food Sunday. This presented an increase of over 1,200 pounds from
the 800 pounds food donated in 2016!

More than $15,000 was raised at the 2017 Lisbon Christmas Parade through the generous support
of parade participants, and sponsors and spectators! Including this year’s parade donations, the
parade has raised more than $65,000 dollars to feed the hungry; helping people in need.

These funds were presented at a check presentation to the beneficiaries at the April 12 Howard
County Farm Bureau’s Annual Legislative Dinner. Both food banks received $5,000 while $2,000
was presented to both LVFC and FHFH.