Main Street sets theme for Lighted Christmas Parade
Nick Ryan and AJ Hodgeman of Gravel Road were already rockin' the 2011 Lighted Christmas Parade.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – After great deliberation and discussion plans are well underway for a new and exciting Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade. The parade will be held one night only this year on Thursday, November 29, 2012. The theme will be “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”. The committee envisions floats and entries with TREES and MUSIC. These are both major components of the season.
History shows the parades were held one night only from 1988 through 1994 when there were 98 entries shown on the books for that year. From 1995 on there have been Thursday and Friday parades. As the years go by, fewer and fewer are able to enter their float in both nights, with Friday being the weakest night.
For that we reason the committee wished to push ahead with the Thursday parade as before; but, for those that want to still join in on the events on Friday there is still fun to be had. Initial plans are for activities on the square including a float display and opportunity for handing out candy, music, parade judges’ awards from Thursday’s parade, perhaps an opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice award, and Santa, the reindeer and elves on hand for photo opportunities. It is hoped the retailers will offer holiday shopping specials as well. Lastly and most importantly, the Tree Lighting-plans are to have a large Christmas tree in the square turned on to the delight of those attending.
So, get ‘rockin’, think about your favorite Christmas song and most memorable Christmas tree! Start creating your parade entries now. The competition remains as before with judging on Thursday evening. You may optionally bring the entry downtown for Friday’s activities.
As before many events are held throughout Oskaloosa in conjunction with the Lighted Parade. As you begin plans for related activities, please contact the OACDG to have these events placed in the Holiday Happenings brochure. Many volunteers are needed to make the event a success. If you would like to be a part of the planning contact the Main Street office of the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group at 641-672-2591 or email to oskycofc@oacdg.org. Be a part of Iowa’s #1 Holiday Event.
