MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce is making history this holiday season by naming three grand marshals for the 2026 Mount Olive Christmas Parade, recognizing three longtime community institutions celebrating milestone anniversaries.
The annual parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. in downtown Mount Olive.
For the first time in the parade’s history, three individuals will share the honor of serving as grand marshal. This year’s honorees are Drew Covert of Southern Bank, Bill Bryan of Mt. Olive Pickle Company, and Dr. Burt Lewis of the University of Mount Olive.
Each represents an organization celebrating a significant anniversary in 2026: Southern Bank’s 125th anniversary, Mt. Olive Pickle Company’s 100th anniversary, and the University of Mount Olive’s 75th anniversary.
Mount Olive Chamber President Julie Beck said selecting just one grand marshal proved especially difficult this year.
“This year, the task of choosing one person was next to impossible,” Beck said. “We have three companies in our community celebrating milestone anniversaries, and we simply could not choose one person.”
Beck said recognizing leaders from all three organizations was a fitting way to conclude a year of celebrations throughout Mount Olive.
Three Organizations, Three Milestone Anniversaries
Southern Bank — 125 Years
Founded in 1901 with a single branch, Southern Bank has grown into a financial institution operating more than 50 branches across North Carolina and Virginia.
Representing Southern Bank as grand marshal is Drew Covert, chairman and chief executive officer of Southern Bank and Southern Bancshares (NC), Inc.
Covert has 36 years of banking experience, including more than 28 years with Southern Bank. He began his career with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and has served on several professional and community boards, including the North Carolina Bankers Association Board and North Carolina Aquarium Society Board.
Mt. Olive Pickle Company — 100 Years
Founded in 1926 by local business leaders, Mt. Olive Pickle Company has grown from its small-town beginnings into the nation’s best-selling brand of pickles, peppers, and relishes.
Representing the company is Bill Bryan, executive chairman and a Mount Olive native.
Bryan joined Mt. Olive Pickle Company in 1985, became president and CEO in 1990, and served in that position until becoming executive chairman in 2015.
Throughout his career, Bryan has served on numerous business and nonprofit boards. An Eagle Scout, he received the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in 2024.
University of Mount Olive — 75 Years
The University of Mount Olive began in 1951 as Mount Allen Junior College, later became Mount Olive College, and officially transitioned to university status in 2014.
Representing the university is Dr. Burt Lewis, vice president of academic affairs.
Lewis graduated from Mount Olive College in 1987 and returned as an employee in 1996. During his tenure, he has served in athletics, teaching, curriculum development, and university administration.
He coached the Trojan men’s and women’s tennis teams for 14 years before moving into additional academic leadership roles. In July 2023, Lewis was named to lead the university’s Office of Academic Affairs.
Beck expressed appreciation for the contributions of all three organizations and their leaders.
“Mount Olive is proud to have Southern Bank, Mt. Olive Pickle Company, and the University of Mount Olive, and the leadership of Drew Covert, Bill Bryan, and Burt Lewis representing our community in the Mount Olive Christmas Parade,” Beck said.
Christmas Parade Set for December 5
The 2026 Mount Olive Christmas Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Carver Elementary School.
The parade route will continue along Old Seven Springs Road, Church Street, College Street, both sides of Center Street, and conclude on James Street.
The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting parade applications through Nov. 29.
Downtown Tree Lighting Kicks Off Holiday Festivities
The holiday celebration will begin the evening before the parade with the Downtown Mount Olive Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Southern Bank Parklet.
Hosted by the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mount Olive Exchange Club, the free community event will feature visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, pickle train rides, popcorn, doughnuts, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, and cookie decorating.
Both events are part of Mount Olive’s annual holiday traditions, bringing residents, families, and local businesses together to celebrate the Christmas season.
For additional information about the parade or participation, contact the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce.
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