The time has come once again to bundle up the family, grab a cup of hot chocolate and travel into a land of fantasy and magic with the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Heart of Clarkston Lighted Holiday Parade
More than 40 entries will dazzle and delight even the grumpiest Scrooge this season. This year’s theme is ‘Storybook Holidays.?
‘It really is a family atmosphere and really shows everything that is Clarkston,? said Terri Bendes, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce event enthusiast/planner. ‘It’s that shining exclamation point that demonstrates exactly what Clarkston is about.?
The annual event kicks off this Saturday at 6 p.m., but announcer Jim Tedder, of Tedder Productions, will set the mood beginning at 5 p.m. with holiday music from the porch of Clarkston State Bank.
Registration and check-in for the parade begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. in the circle drive of Clarkston Elementary on Waldon Rd. Organizers will place each entry in the parade lineup at this time. Those participating are asked not to show up early for check-in.
Judging begins right at 5 p.m. This year’s honored panel includes Independence Township Supervisor Dave Wagner, Clarkston Mayor Sharon Catallo and Clarkston City Manager Art Pappas. Entries will once again be judged in four categories:
? Church St. Award for best costuming.
? Washington St. Award for most creative use of theme.
? Main St. Award for best use of lighting.
? Chamber Award for best musical entry.
Each award winner will receive a $250 cash prize.
‘We always have a nice mix of walkers in costumes and those on floats,? said Bendes. ‘There’s also a nice mix of community groups with churches, civic organizations and school groups participating ? and of course, Santa Claus has already registered for his spot.?
The event will travel the tradition route: from the Clarkston Schools Community Education parking lot the parade will go down Church St., make a right turn onto Main St., a left turn onto Miller St. and end in the St. Daniel’s Church parking lot. Those picking up participants can meet them at this point.
Of course many local merchants and groups will be out and about with plenty of food, drinks and goodies for everyone. Also, all participants are treated to hot chocolate and cookies inside Clarkston Elementary before the parade.
One new item for this year will be adding to the safety of the event. In addition to keeping a safe eye on the parade route, Chamber volunteers and honor society students will sell glo-necklaces for $2 a piece. The necklaces will help everyone keep track of even the youngest parade watchers.
And kids, keep your eyes open for an added surprise from event organizers that will allow you to become a part of the evenings festivities.
‘Our parade has just added so much to the year,? said Bendes. ‘It just keeps getting better and better.?
Those attending the parade are asked to dress warmly and arrive early, the best spots go fast.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade is asked to register with the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce by Friday at 4 p.m. Please call 248-625-8055 for more information.