Grand Marshals for 2025 Community Christmas Parade announced

BROWNSVILLE TN (November 10, 2025): Haywood County Emergency Management Agency is proud to announce the Grand Marshals for the 2025 Community Christmas Parade. The parade will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., following a route along East to West Main Street through downtown Brownsville. The annual event is sponsored by the Emergency Management Agency Support Unit.

This year’s parade will be led by two remarkable citizens who have left—and continue to leave—an indelible mark on our community:

Helen Turner

Brownsville native and legendary pitmaster, Helen Turner is celebrated as one of the most renowned barbecue masters in the nation.

For nearly 30 years, she owned and operated Helen’s Bar-B-Q on North Washington, perfecting the art of slow-smoked pork and earning national acclaim. Turner’s barbecue prowess not only brought her titles such as Southern Foodways Alliance’s “Queen of Barbecue” and induction into the 2025 Barbecue Hall of Fame, but also brought national recognition and notoriety to her hometown of Brownsville. Most recently, she was honored by Governor Bill Lee with the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award for her outstanding contributions to Southern culture and culinary heritage. Featured by Southern Living, USA Today, and ESPN, Turner remains a trailblazer and a Tennessee icon whose legacy continues to define authentic Southern barbecue.

Butch Porch

Haywood County native Butch Porch has spent a lifetime serving others with humility, faith, and heart.

A Vietnam veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17, Porch returned home and dedicated himself to community service through Woodland Baptist Church. As a leader with the Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief Team, he has helped rebuild lives after natural disasters across the state. Locally, Porch and his volunteer team construct one to two wheelchair ramps each week, giving countless residents greater independence. His wife of 34 years, Faye, says it best: “Regardless of other responsibilities, Butch always puts others before self.” Porch’s unwavering service and compassion embody the true spirit of Christmas and the heart of Haywood County.

The Haywood County Emergency Management Agency encourages everyone to come out and celebrate these two extraordinary individuals. There’s still time to enter the parade, so whether you’re a local organization, business, or family looking to join the fun, don’t miss the chance to be part of this cherished holiday tradition. For more information, contact the EMA at 731-779-3454.

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