The 15th Annual Hope Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will begin rolling on Monday December 7, at 6 p.m. Applications need to be turned in no later than Friday December 4, at 4:30, according to Mark Keith, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
Keith said applications may be downloaded at the chamber website filled out and returned to the chamber, or picked up at the chamber office and returned to chamber office when completed. There is no entry fee, according to Keith.
Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck and ride through the parade on the truck until the parade ends.
After the Christmas Parade Santa Claus will be at the Chamber of Commerce office to meet children and listen to Christmas lists, according to Keith.
The parade route will begin at Brazzel Oakcrest and proceed north on Main Street until it reaches the Chamber Office at Main and Second Streets.
It will then turn left and flow westward to Lagrone Williams, at Lagrone Williams it turns right then goes north on Elm Street on block to Division Street, takes a right to go two blocks to Walnut Street, takes a right and goes about two blocks to break up behind the First Baptist Church.
Usual participation of floats is between 20 and 30 entries, according to Keith. Three prizes will be awarded $25 for third place, $50 for second place, and $100 for first place.
“ We encourage people to participate in the parade, we had great participation last year with 27 entries,” he added. Some participant rules include;
All floats in the Christmas Parade must have lights, according to Keith.
There are no Santa’s except the “real” Santa.
Candy may be given out, but not thrown.
Parade Chairperson is Tonja Hays.
