Holiday Parade of Lights kicks off season Friday

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The second annual Christmas Parade of Lights will take place this Friday, Nov. 23, beginning at 6:30 p.m., and will feature the first official appearance of Santa Claus in the community.

For this year, the parade route has changed, following a route similar to that used for the Air Force Appreciation Day parade. It will start at Paul's Market and end at Triangle Park (officially known as Memorial Park).

Following the parade, Triangle Park will host the lighting of the community Christmas tree, with local children decorating the tree with handmade ornaments. The tree itself will have 1,200 lights, the most ever for the tree, and a newly purchased 5-foot Bethlehem star.

The parade's theme is "Follow The Star," a theme suggested by 6-year-old Kyle Crockett, who won of the Chamber's Christmas Parade of Lights Theme Contest.

Toni Noland, Retail Merchant Committee Chairman for the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce, said that the parade is being scheduled in November this year, rather than the first weekend in December as in the past, because "we thought the day after Thanksgiving would be the perfect time."

"It's going to be a spectacular lighting this year, the parade is just a great kickoff for the holiday year, the people should come see how pretty it will be," Noland said.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be appearing at the parade on a decorated fire truck, with a "reindeer surprise" according to Noland.

The local Masonic organizations will be providing hot dogs and hot chocolate at the park the night of the parade.

In preparation for the night-time event, Heddas, Idaho Youth Ranch, and Lane's Appliance are selling glow light necklaces for $1 each, starting the week of the parade, and volunteers from the Elmore County Search and Rescue unit will be working the parade route, selling the lights.

The entry deadline for floats has passed. There will be cash prizes awarded for best float, and general entry. The cash prizes are made possible by McDonalds, United Metals and Idaho Independent Bank. For best float, a $500 prize will be awarded for first place and a $250 prize for second place. For general entry, a $250 prize will be awarded for first place and a $100 prize will be awarded for second place.

Mayor Joe B. McNeal and the Mountain Home City Council have been invited as judges for the floats. They will be joined by Cathy Jeffries of Idaho Independent Bank.

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