STANFORD, KY – November  2, 2022 – Actress, singer and philanthropist Jen Lilley will be the guest of honor at the annual Stanford Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 3 at 6 pm ET.  The historic parade held in downtown Stanford celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year and will be featured in the upcoming holiday special “Christmas In Kentucky” premiering in December on Great American Family.

Lilley is best known for her long-running roles on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” and ABC’s “General Hospital,” in addition to her role in the Academy Award-winning film, The Artist.  Lilley has also become a mainstay of the popular romantic comedy genre. Her latest leading role is in the upcoming B&B Merry which premieres on Great American Family on Sunday, December 4, and joining Lilley at the Stanford Christmas Parade will be her B&B Merry co-star, Jesse Hutch (“Batwoman,” Dream Wedding). B&B Merry is part of the network’s annual Great American Christmas franchise which features original Christmas movie premieres every weekend, and Christmas movies 24/7, all-day and all-night, through the end of the year.

The Stanford Christmas parade is the town’s largest annual event with thousands of participants and spectators attending each year.  More than thirty police officers, firefighters and first responders facilitate the parade together with volunteers from across the county.  This year’s parade will feature more than twenty festive floats, fire trucks and police vehicles, youth sports teams of all ages, and more than 50 classic cars, including a signature 1931 Studebaker Fire Truck.  Local businesses are encouraged to decorate store windows and floats to match the “Christmas In Kentucky” theme.

First Southern National Bank, Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, The City of Stanford, Wilderness Road Hospitality and Great American Family will serve as presenting partners for this year’s parade.

“Christmas traditions in small towns across America are an essential part of our country’s fabric,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media.  “We are so grateful to the town of Stanford for welcoming Great American Family and Jen Lilley to be a part of their historic parade, and we look forward to celebrating the joy and magic of Christmas in Kentucky together with our local partners and the people of Lincoln County.”

“The communities we serve are why First Southern exists,” said First Southern Bancorp, Inc. CEO Jimmy Rousey. “And there is no better time to celebrate community than Christmas and no better place than with our family and friends here in Stanford. Our town has experienced great  revitalization over the last decade that has brought this community back to life. We are so thankful for the opportunities this partnership creates for the people of Lincoln County and we hope that our community can be an example for others.”

“Our annual Christmas parade has always been a special event for our town and we know this year will be even better,” said Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andrea Miller. “It is heartening to see that these organizations and stars like Jen Lilley appreciate the unique values small towns like Stanford contribute to our society as a whole.”

“Small towns offer us the opportunity to slow down and experience peace in our hectic lives.” Wilderness Road Hospitality Co-Founder Angela Correll shares. “We are grateful that Great American Media and Jen Lilley have chosen to shine a spotlight on what makes Stanford special and we can’t wait to share with a broader audience.”

In addition to her work as an actor, Lilley is a singer and songwriter who has also released two popular music albums, including the Christmas album Tinsel Time in 2015.  Lilley has also worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for foster care and adoption, and is the founder of Christmas Is Not Cancelled, an organization that brings celebrities, brands, and fans together to fundraise for nonprofits, including Toys for Tots, and to provide presents and school supplies for underprivileged children.

Great American Family is available through most cable providers.  Visit GreatAmericanFamily.com for help finding the channel on your cable service or text “CHRISTMAS” to 877-999-1225.