2018 Millbrook Spirit of Christmas
The annual Millbrook Spirit of Christmas Parade will be Saturday, December 1st, 2018.
The theme for this year's parade is “A Musical Millbrook Christmas”. Pick your favorite
Christmas song, decorate your float to go with this song.
The parade entry form and vendor form are available at this link.
History
With a rich heritage dating back to the 1700’s, the Millbrook area, including Robinson Springs, Coosada, Deatsville, and Elmore, was known for its sprawling plantations and prominent leaders, including William Wyatt Bibb, John Archer Elmore, and Benjamin Fitzpatrick. Today, the area retains the best of its early features and natural resources, while aggressively pursuing economic development opportunities.
Numerous eras delineate Millbrook’s past. During the post-WWI and pre-WWII period, the communities of Millbrook, Coosada, and Robinson Springs, later referred to as the Tri-Community, began to evolve into populated growing communities, complete with schools, churches, and rail transportation.
Contributing to the population growth during the 1920s and 1930s were unfortunate outbreaks of disease in the more populated City of Montgomery. During this period, Millbrook became a place to retreat during the long, hot summers. Seasonal homes and cabins in Millbrook, Coosada, and Robinson Springs offered families fresh country air and seclusion. Soon, the seasonal population began to stay year round. Churches were quickly established and schools took form. The Bolling Hall School, the Lumley School, and later Robinson Springs School, served the increasing population. Some chose to continue their education in nearby Montgomery and traveled daily by train from Millbrook. Additionally, railroad transportation provided the growing population access to jobs in nearby cities. The railroad spur line of the early 1900s followed the present day route of Grandview Road.
As in the 1930s, much of today’s progress is linked to transportation. With the introduction of Interstate 65 in the mid 1970s, Millbrook’s growth led to formal incorporation as a city in 1977. Once again, those seeking a more relaxing lifestyle discovered the interstate exits immediately north of the state capital and the Millbrook population grew even more.
Today, as in the 1970s, ease of access is paving the way for prosperity. With substantial land area in which to expand and develop highly trafficked commercial sites, Millbrook’s future is very bright. A booming residential building campaign, which began in the 1990s, continues today and is largely responsible for Millbrook’s current high rate of population growth.
Convenient Location
A rapidly growing Interstate 65 city, Millbrook, Alabama is located 10 miles north of Montgomery, Alabama’s state capital. Immediately accessed via Interstate 65 Exits 176, 179 and 181, Millbrook’s proximity and inclusion in the Montgomery MSA (population 374,536), help shape the city and provide for exceptional career, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.
Great Growth
Regularly ranked among Alabama’s fastest growing cities, Millbrook’s present day estimated population is 14,734. During the decade 2000 to 2010 the population grew 37.30% and from 1990 to 2000 the city experienced 43.39% growth. Currently, the estimated Millbrook zip code area population is 33,212, which includes incorporated and unincorporated areas – a better measure of the Millbrook area population.
Pro Business Environment
National and local retailers, restaurants, hotels, service and small business providers contribute to the Millbrook economy by offering plenty of options for local consumers. Established commercial areas include Interstate 65 Exits 179 and 181, Alabama Highway 14, Alabama Highway 143 (Main Street), and Cobbs Ford Road. Major sites are available for development along these corridors. A key site at Interstate 65 Exit 181 encompasses 600+ acres with Interstate 65 frontage. The HillCrest Center represents the initial phase of this development. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses through programs such as Buy Local Buy Millbrook. Business growth and community development are facilitated by city leaders and the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce.
Exceptional Quality of Life
Exceptional residential developments in natural settings, outstanding outdoor and recreational venues, excellent public schools and leadership, quality healthcare providers and facilities, fine community amenities and positive local government – all highlighted by easy access to any where – add to the quality of life in Millbrook. Residents enjoy the best of two worlds – small city comforts and community plus urban conveniences – creating a relaxing way of life.
Excellent Education
A standout among Alabama’s public school systems, the fully accredited Elmore County Public School System provides excellent educational programs to Millbrook K-12 students at four area schools. The Elmore County system serves a countywide student population of more than 11,000 at fifteen schools. The system's mission is to provide relevant, engaging, positive learning environments where students are empowered to realize their self-worth through continuous academic, social, and emotional growth. Key indices of academic progress show continual advancement.
Optimal Recreation
Optimal recreational venues enhance the Millbrook area. A variety of outdoor recreational options are available for hunting, fishing and boating enthusiasts. The nationally acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill is a short drive from Millbrook. Other golf courses serving the area include The Pines, Millbrook’s municipal course, and numerous courses located throughout Elmore County. City recreational facilities include softball and football complexes, as well as walking trails and play areas at the Village Green, Millbrook’s downtown park, Mill Creek Park, Robinson Springs Park and Legacy Park.
Rich Natural Resources
Nature, wildlife and waterways help define Millbrook. The Coosa and Alabama Rivers are located on the eastern side of the city. Scenic Lake Martin and Lake Jordan are minutes away. The Mill Creek meanders through the center of the Village Green, Millbrook’s downtown park. Other creeks, ponds and waterways mark the landscape of the community. The statewide headquarters and conservation educational facilities of the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) are located at Lanark, a historic 300+ acre estate in Millbrook. An important state and community asset, the natural resources found on the AWF grounds add to the area’s quality of life.
Pleasant Climate
The climate of the area is characterized by long warm summers and short, relatively mild winters. Millbrook lies within the transitional zone between Alabama's Piedmont Plateau and the Coastal Plain. Its geography is characterized by small gently rolling ridge tops of sandy loam soil, by hilly and gravelly slopes, and by range land. The elevation ranges from less than 200 feet adjacent to the rivers to as much as 745 feet on the ridge tops in other areas.
Involved Community
Millbrook promotes a genuine sense of community and offers plenty of opportunities for civic involvement. Numerous civic and service organizations are credited with contributing to the orderly growth and development of the city. Annual events and festivals are made possible through partnerships between community organizations and the city. More than 50 places of worship representing most major religious denominations are an important part of community life.
Enriching Military Presence
Located within 10 miles of Millbrook near downtown Montgomery are the military installations of Maxwell Air Force Base and the Gunter Annex. Both add to the region’s rich history and culture, and offer job opportunities for residents. The Millbrook community welcomes active and retired service members and their families and supports the opportunities provided at both installations.
Highly Accessible
Millbrook is adjacent to and accessible from three Interstate 65 exits, Exits 176, 179 and 181. The Interstate 65 and 85 interchange, located south of the city, connects central Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia, an approximate 2 1/2 hour drive from Millbrook, as well as other key Southeastern metropolitan hubs. The Montgomery Regional Airport (Dannelly Field) is located approximately 20 miles from Millbrook. A general aviation facility, Wetumpka Airport, is located just outside the city. The Alabama River is located near Millbrook and is navigable to the port of Mobile, Alabama.