Colette Serrato, longtime Calvert City resident and store manager of Calvert City Food Giant, has been named the 2025 grand marshal of the Calvert City Lions Club Christmas Parade. Serrato will lead the 66th annual parade, believed to be the longest-running Christmas parade in Kentucky, as the community celebrates a weekend full of holiday traditions.
Serrato moved to Calvert City in 2015, but her ties to the community stretch back even further. She has worked in Calvert City since 2003, building a career rooted in service. She began at Food Giant in 2003 when the store operated as Piggly Wiggly, working in the deli. After returning from maternity leave in 2004, she moved into the meat department as Food Giant purchased the store. Serrato served as meat department manager for 14 years before being promoted to store manager on Christmas Eve in 2018.
Outside of work, Serrato is a proud mom of three who stays busy with her family. Her oldest, Diego, 21, has been accepted into the local electrical union IBEW 816. Lilyanna recently turned 18 and is exploring her future career paths. Her youngest, Camden, has been part of the Marshall County Archery team for the past six years. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors together and often play disc golf around the area.
Serrato said community involvement is one of the biggest reasons she and her family chose Calvert City. She points to the city’s welcoming residents and the care shown throughout the city. From clean parks and sidewalks to a responsive police department and a full calendar of local events, Serrato says Calvert City continues to hold the small-town values that made it feel like home from the start.
In naming Serrato grand marshal, the Lions Club highlighted her steady leadership and neighbor-first attitude.
“Colette is a face in Calvert City that everyone knows,” said Lions Club President Jeremy Powell. “She keeps our main food service running, and she is always willing to help local organizations get the supplies they need. Her kindness and consistency are exactly what this parade and this season stand for.”
Serrato said the honor is both meaningful and humbling.
“I am truly grateful to be chosen as grand marshal,” Serrato said. “Calvert City has given my family so much. I love being part of this community, and I am proud to celebrate the season with neighbors who make this town such a special place.”
The Calvert City Lions Club has served the community for decades, becoming a cornerstone of civic life and charitable giving. Early in its history, the club helped purchase the city’s first fire truck, strengthening public safety at a pivotal time for a growing community. The Lions Club also worked alongside the Calvert City Woman’s Club to raise funds for Calvert City’s first street signs, supporting organization and progress as the town developed. While the needs of the community have evolved over the years, the Lions Club has remained a beacon for giving, contributing both time and money to those in need. In 2025 alone, the club scanned nearly 2,000 children through its KidSight program, continuing its mission to protect and support the youngest members of the community, and donated over $10,000 to those in need.
Here’s the holiday weekend event rundown:
Light Up Calvert City
Friday, Dec. 5
Calvert City Memorial Park
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Enjoy live music, carnival games, popcorn, food trucks, free hot chocolate and more.
Calvert City Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 6
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Multiple locations across town. Shop over 140 local vendors, artisans, and holiday specials throughout Calvert City.
Calvert City Lions Club Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 6
Parade begins at 6 p.m.
Lineup starts at 5 p.m. at Pathway Baptist Church
Route travels along Fifth Avenue from Hwy. 95 to Oak Park Blvd.
Following the parade, families are invited to join the Calvert City Lions Club for free hot dogs, drinks, and photos with Santa.
For more information on weekend events or parade participation, visit calvertcityky.gov or follow the Calvert City Lions Club and City of Calvert City on social media.
